Funk Bone Jam

The Zoo Crew is grooving hard at THE ZOO, spinning the funky vibes of Vinnie Moore’s “Funk Bone Jam” from his 2019 album Soul Shifter for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track kicks off the album with a punch, blending funk-rock with Moore’s signature guitar wizardry. In an interview with Sonic Perspectives, Moore shared that “Funk Bone Jam” reflects his quirky sense of humor, a counterpoint to the album’s more emotional tracks. He described it as a playful, upbeat jam that captures his love for funk and jazz fusion, drawing inspiration from legends like Billy Cobham. The song features the legendary bassist Rudy Sarzo, whose work with Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake adds serious cred to the track’s groove. Reviewers at Sleaze Roxx noted its resemblance to Cobham’s 1973 album Spectrum, highlighting its jazz-rock fusion roots and Moore’s ability to make his guitar sing without a single lyric.

Another tidbit about “Funk Bone Jam” comes from Moore’s own words on Facebook, where he posted about the song’s creation during a particularly hectic period of touring with UFO. He mentioned that the track was born out of late-night jam sessions, where he’d mess around with funky riffs to unwind after shows. The song’s infectious rhythm and Moore’s lyrical guitar style make it a standout, with The Rockpit calling it “music you can dance to.” Moore also hinted in a Instagram post that the song’s title was a tongue-in-cheek nod to his love for goofy wordplay, a trait that balances the deeper, soulful moments on Soul Shifter. For Zoo Freaks digging this track, it’s a perfect blend of technical skill and lighthearted fun, showcasing Moore’s versatility.

Vinnie Moore’s journey to becoming a guitar icon started in New Castle, Delaware, where he was born on April 14, 1964. As a 12-year-old, he spotted a guitar in a JCPenney catalog and begged for it as a Christmas gift, as noted in a Sleaze Roxx review. Within a year, he was hooked, deciding that the guitar would be his lifelong passion. Moore took lessons from local Delaware instructors Mary Biddle and Nick Bucci, the latter a student of jazz legend Pat Martino, which laid the foundation for his technical prowess. By his teens, he was already shredding, influenced by rock, blues, and jazz greats like Carlos Santana and Steve Gaines, both of whom he paid tribute to on Soul Shifter. His big break came in 1986 with his debut album Mind’s Eye on Shrapnel Records, a neoclassical masterpiece that established him as a pioneer of shred guitar. Since then, he’s released nine solo albums, six with UFO, and even recorded a Pepsi commercial soundtrack, as mentioned on Sonic Perspectives.

Moore’s career skyrocketed as he joined bands like Vicious Rumors and Alice Cooper’s outfit, and even opened for Rush on their Roll the Bones tour, according to RockNGrowl. His 17-year stint with UFO, starting in 2003, cemented his legacy, with his tenure outlasting any previous UFO guitarist. Fans can connect with Moore through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates and behind-the-scenes stories. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out the Vinnie Moore Official Fan Page on Facebook, a hub for fans to discuss his music and share their love for his work. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, Moore’s “Funk Bone Jam” and his incredible career are sure to keep the good vibes flowing.