The masterpiece of the record is Knowles' cover of George Harrison's "Hear Me Lord" (from All Things Must Pass). Producer Peter Frampton steps out of the console and trades licks with the young prodigy and a supernova of soaring, spiritual sound. Again, Tench's organ provides a gospel ambiance that gives texture to the explosive guitar playing of Knowles and Frampton. Hearing Frampton hold his own with the impressive young Knowles will be a revelation to those too young to remember that Frampton was a huge star in the '70s. His duet on the Harrison classic will serve as a nice reminder for those old enough to remember, but for whom he is more a memory of a decade gone by the wayside.
Frampton's production throughout the record has a little slickness to it, but the professional sound doesn't douse the fire or passion of the performance.
Album-closer "Saving Myself" strips everything away except for Knowles' voice and his National steel guitar (technically the album closes with a bonus track, a duet between Knowles and Jonatha Brooke). Songs like "Tear Down The Walls" and "Keep On Searching" might have benefitted from something a little grittier, but that's something the road can provide. That's probably true for much of this record. The professional sound doesn't douse the fire of the performance, but one's imagination is engulfed by the possibilities of what Knowles might do with these songs on stage.
Knowles possesses a rare discipline among guitarists of this pedigree. Many guitar heroes allow their songs to bloat in the interest of serving the guitar solo, but not Knowles. Only one song on Coming Up For Air -- the glorious cover of "Hear Me Lord — exceeds five minutes.
The second chapter of Back Door Slam has been written and it's every bit as compelling as the band's debut, hinting at even more growth and promise for the future. Two albums in and Davy Knowles has answered most of our questions.
The talent and the presence are there. Now all that's left to do is hope he continues to grow and that he'll avoid the pitfalls that have robbed us of of too many. To listen to Back Door Slam is to allow your ears into the presence of greatness. He's got the goods. Britain, get out your spray paint. Paul Revere, get back on your horse. Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam are coming.
Article comments
1 - MC6Strings
I bought this album at Davy's concert s the first time I heard many of the songs they were live. I have to admit the album seems restrained compared to the load aggresive live performance, granted I could not make out words with the guitar dominated performance. My opinion may also be jaded by the fact that the basist and drummer are not the same as the studio musicains. In short, his hands literaly blurred at times while I watched in awe as every song seemed more alive and balanced live.
2 - El Bicho
I agree with MC6. I was much more impressed with some of these songs in a live setting.
3 - 1trueSox
I have to say this album sucks compared to the first one, whilst they were still called 'Back Door Slam'. All I can say is I hope this is a transitional album otherwise Knowles is on a slippery slope IMO