Davy Knowles: British Born, Blues Driven

Six years before his rugged bluesy chords would be adored by fans around the world, Davy sat, jaw-dropped, staring up at his idol, Robert Cray with relentless admiration. Little did he know in just 6 short years he would go from watching his favorite music legends, to playing with them — Knowles played side by side with Cray’s drummer and bassist in a benefit concert attended by thousands.

Isle of Man's very own Davy Knowles (Courtesy Photo)

For those who have seen Knowles play, it is no surprise that his pure love for Blue’s music has transformed into a life-long dream career. His sophomore album, “Coming Up for Air,” was released on June 16 to rave reviews.

The 11 song discography was produced by Emmy award winner Peter Frampton and features the hit radio single “Tear Down the Walls” which debuted on the Blues Billboard charts at number 2.

This passionate bluesy rock song is one that we can all relate to as it speaks about getting through tough times and pulling yourself out of life’s ruts. It’s no wonder with his amazing soulful voice and strong relevant lyrics that it was USA Today’s “Pick of the Week.”

The Brit born artist hails from the Britain’s Isle of Man and grew up listening to all sorts of Blues-Rock from Robert Johnson to Rory Gallagher (whom Davy praises as his main influences).  He eventually decided he was done watching others live their lives doing what they and he loved, and decided to get up on stage himself and take a chance on fame. Given his natural talent, both vocally and on the guitar, there was no chance involved. His voice is one that has been unmatched since the times of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Warren Haynes and Kenny Wayne Shepherd (all of which he has been publicly compared to).

He began his ascent to stardom with his band Back Door Slam, who he performed stage rattling sets with at Lollapolooza, Mile High and Rothbury. These festivals set the bar for a very promising career with follow up reviews being nothing less than a brown nosing fest all in the name of young Davy Knowles.

Gary Graff’s Billboard.com review states, “If a star is to be born at this year’s edition of the Rothbury it may well be Davy Knowles, the blues-rock guitar whiz from the Isle of Man who led his band, Back Door Slam, through a blistering hour-long set.”

After losing some bandmates along the way, Davy was lucky enough to get hooked up with Jackson Browne’s drummer Fritz Lewak and bassist Kevin McCormick. He also hooked up with keyboardist Benmont Tench from Tom Petty and the heartbreakers. Don’t get us wrong, these gold plated names did not just fall from the sky, Davy Knowles himself almost lost it when producer Frampton called to tell him the news that he had hooked him up with the legends who now set the tone in the studio recordings for his new album.

Following this period of transition, Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam return with a new band to tear down the walls of rock superstar Chickenfoot’s new tour.

Lucky for us, they will be headed to Harrah’s Rincon Open Sky Theater in Valley Center on Saturday September 26th! With all the amazing reviews that have been circulating on the music scene, it will be a hard show to ignore, and a huge milestone in blues history in the making that you do not want to miss.

It seems as if success has come overnight for the British born blues singer, but he could be no more humble and thankful for all the opportunities that have come his way.

With his quirky wholesome laugh and honest lust for experiencing everything he can in this world, he shows that pure passion, love for music and admiration for those who came before you really can make you a better artist.