Shoot The Sun Down

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to "Shoot The Sun Down" by Andy Wood from his stellar album Charisma! This opening track sets the tone with a soulful, slow-burning vibe that stretches over six minutes of guitar bliss. According to a review by Audio Ink Radio, the song is a "groovy, slow-burning guitar anthem" that showcases Wood’s ability to bring riffs and licks to life while flexing his soloing chops. Screamer Magazine paints a vivid picture, describing it as having a "psychedelia-infused chorus" with a rhythm that "thumps against an almost plodding groove," evoking the bold, confident cover art of a 1977 Heavy Metal magazine. It’s the kind of track that feels like a cosmic journey, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, hippie spin.

In an interview with Heavyocity, Wood shared that Charisma, including "Shoot The Sun Down," was born during the COVID lockdown, a time when he wrote music as therapy without a specific direction in mind. He sifted through over 50 demos to select the strongest melodies, and this track emerged as the album’s bold opener. The song’s creation wasn’t tied to a preconceived plan but evolved organically, reflecting Wood’s emotional and creative state. Its boisterous, sexy, and confident energy, as Screamer Magazine notes, makes it a standout that captures Wood’s genre-blurring style, blending country soul with psychedelic rock.

Andy Wood’s journey to this point is as colorful as his music. A North Carolina native raised in east Tennessee, Wood was a mandolin prodigy in his youth, winning awards while touring the bluegrass competition circuit with his cousin and grandfather. According to his bio on Andy Wood Music, he picked up the guitar in his late teens, diving into influences from Nashville country, rock, jazz, swing, and fusion. This mix shaped his distinctive, virtuosic style, which he’s showcased touring with acts like Rascal Flatts, Scott Stapp, and Sebastian Bach. His first solo album, A Disconcerting Amalgam (2009), explored fusion, rock, metal, and bluegrass, while later works like Junktown (2019) and Charisma (2024) solidified his knack for instrumental storytelling.

Wood’s versatility and charisma have earned him praise from guitar legends like John Petrucci, who called him “unbelievable” for his ability to master multiple styles. In 2020, he launched the Woodshed Guitar Experience, an annual event where fans and aspiring guitarists learn from top players, reflecting his passion for community and education. You can catch more of his vibe on his official social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at the Andy Wood Music Fan Group on Facebook, a lively spot for Zoo Freaks to connect over his music. For more on his events, check out Woodshed Guitar Experience.