Customer Reviews

Coming Up for Air

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album is quite good and seems to get better each time I listen to it. However I enjoyed the first album a great deal more. I was hoping for something bluesier and heavier like the first few tracks on the first album. This album is more polished and perhaps more melodic but I don't think that is what the fan base for this group was looking for. Good album but a notch below the first effort (IMO). If you get the chance, see this band live, Davy is awesome.Coming Up for Air

Unfortunately Davy Knowles (and the original Back Door Slam) set the bar way high on the first CD. That makes it really hard to meet the expectations of fans, and I think this CD shows that.

While, from a Producer/Manager perspective, I'm sure the result is seen as well done - it expands the repertoire of the band, showing greater skill in other techniques/styles etc, from the pure blues guitar fan perspective this one does fall short of the mark. It doesn't live up to the great stuff you see on YouTube that he's done (i.e great work with Govt Mule). However, working with Peter Frampton as Producer, it makes sense that he would be advocating to expand style - and become more available to a wider audience.

However, that approach can't help but disappoint the band's loyal fans. With a new band behind him, you have to wonder what the backstory was and if it had to do with moving away from their roots.

A wiser move may have been to expand the base by including blues legends, or bringing in more funk/ragtime/acoustic sensibilities a bit. This does take a slight pop bend to it.

I'm not saying I don't like the CD, it's just that I like the first one A LOT more. If you're a fan of the first, you may have to adjust expectations to get this second one - although the track "Tear Down the Walls" excels just as the first CD did.

No..not as good as the first..the first was much bluesier and his live performance (saw him at the Memphis In May celebration in 2008) was what drove me to get the albums...so if given a chance...check out the live show.
I am just waiting for him to break thru.

It's not as bluesy as the previous one (Roll Away), it is more appealing to the broader rock audience. Easily one of the best albums this year so far. Brilliant - highly recommended - a must for every serious CD collection.

Davy is a prodigy. That probably goes without saying. Coming Up For Air showcases that talent and also underscores his versatility. He is a tremendous blues player, but it seems he won't be pigeonholed. There are other aspects to his personality that are beginning to surface in his playing. Personally, I was very gratified to hear other elements at play in this work. Keep us guessing, Davy. I hope you never become predictable.

On top of his fabulous guitar skills and great voice, I think with this second release from Davy Knowles we can now add his name to the great song writers around. It's incredible that at 22 years of age, someone so young can write such fantastic songs. If you don't own this album I would say it is a definite buy and if you haven't seen Davy and Back Door Slam live, you have no idea what you're missing. Truly great, great music!.......Roy

It'k ok. Doesn't pack the punch the first one did. I couldn't wait for a second cd but when this arrived I was a little disapointed. Just average.

One thing was obvious when the first excellent Back Door Slam album debuted: Davy Knowles was destined to be a lead performer in the tradition of SRV, Satriani, Bonamassa, and Clapton. Now, moving on to DAVY KNOWLES and Back Door Slam, he begins to fulfill his potential.

This album is INCREDIBLE, and shows the influence and mentoring of producer Peter Frampton. All of the songs are strong, with the best being "Coming Up for Air" and "Tear Down the Walls". Get it quick and support this young superstar. See him in person - he's a great performer as well as writer and player.

if you enjoy watching american idol this cd is not for you. davy knowles mixes throaty vocals with great guitar licks to create bluesy rock songs. music with substance that appeals to musicians and people who enjoy music from a not so distant past is what is on this cd. if you like the flavor of the day which is usually represented by a glossy video that almost undoubtedly will be picked up by Pepsi, Ford, or Revlon;dont buy this cd. thank god there are artists out there still making good music and davy knowles is one of them!

Excellent follow-up to the first BDS album "Roll Away". For folks that haven't heard much of this kid yet, they should take a listen. He is truly amazing. I love all the songs, but especially his guitar work. He's fantastic on electric or accoustic. He's truly got a great future. Maybe since he's traveling with Chickenfoot, he'll get more exposure. I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND EITHER OF HIS ALBUMS!!!