On Andy Wood’s fourth solo effort, the Nashville guitarist combines imaginative compositions with guitarmanship that merges technical ability, emotion, polish, and feel. Bear witness to the swift country chromatics, soul-tugging ballads, blues-rock, pastoral atmospherics, and the bombast of prog-tastic shred.

The seduction begins with the slow, pulsating groove of “Shoot The Sun Down.” Here, sustaining guitar echoes within a ballad that blends beautifully stacked harmonies and effortless 64th notes. Brent Mason guest stars on “Free Range Chicken,” where fiery Telecaster pickin’ and banjo coexist in a galaxy of beguiling country prog – like Dream Theater meets the Dixie Dregs.

Wood covers “Rooster” by Alice In Chains, gets neo-classical on “Master Gracey’s Manor,” enters Satriani’s world on “Hylia,” and has a play date with Joe Bonamassa on “Moaning Lisa.” Edgy alternate-picked pentatonic sequences ensue as Wood and Bonamassa trade bars and licks with post-Eric-Johnson zeal and intravenous sriracha for extra spice. Charisma is a well-manicured guitar album with solid compositions.

This article originally appeared in VG’s November 2024 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.