Grateful Music and All Bands That Jam

Davy Knowles has known what he wanted to do with his life since the age of 11.

I was in the car with my dad, and he put on a cassette of Dire Straits' 'Sultans of Swing,'" explains the 21-year-old guitarist, singer and songwriter. "I just fell in love with the music then and there. That track changed my life, and I realized, 'I really want to be able to do that.'"

Getting together with his schoolmates, he formed Back Door Slam, a blues group. Together in 2007 they recorded and released "Roll Away" after which time Knowles split with the band and with Peter Frampton producing recorded his first solo album "Coming Up For Air", his act is known as Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam, and is true blues through and through.

During the Hangout Beach Festival I was able to sit down and talk with Davy Knowles about working with Peter Frampton, opening for Jeff Beck and his Summer ahead, where he will join Mickey Hart and company in the Rhythm Devils.

I found his easy going personality not only calming but inviting. He was open to any question, and very honored to be where he is today. He told me that he knows that The Rhythm Devils isn't a Dead cover band, and he doesn't plan to try and measure up to Jerry Garcia, those shoes aren't to be filled. But he wants to do the songs justice and add his own flair, his own style.

He told me that The Hangout Beach Festival was a beautiful setting to play music, and that he was enjoying the layout, and the diversity in the crowd.
He told me that their is a freedom to festivals, and also the possibility of collaborations.

Davy Knowles played the large Verizon Stage that was set up on the beach.

He also spoke about how humble and helpful Peter Frampton was. Pretty much Davy described him like an easy going guy next door who hasn't let fame, and success change him from being a solid individual.

After interviewing the humble and talented Davy Knowles, and after hearing Back Door Slam, I felt the same about him. He has a huge future. Warren Haynes invited him to play with Gov't Mule the next day at the festival, and so his talent for the blues, and the soul and intensity that he brings to the stage is being noticed by colleagues and fans alike.

If you get a change to see The Rhythm Devils this Summer, check out their amazing guitarist that is only 23 years old. If you hear that Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam is coming to your town, give them a listen, I can all but promise you'll have a new favorite to listen to.

Davy Knowles talking about working with Frampton and his upcoming work with The Rhythm Devils.