I met a middle aged guy named John outside the club waiting for the show who struck up a conversation. He tells me he heard Back Door Slam’s [Official Site, Myspace] “Come Home” on the radio and thought he heard something promising. Having grown up on artists like Hendrix and Clapton he tells me he hasn’t heard a group worthy of similar status in a long time. He seemed skeptical that this band would be it but figured he’d give them a try anyway. Similarly I was there for about the same reasons.

Having heard of this show only a day before, I decided to take a chance and see if they were going to live up to the hype I had made in my own head. I thought I was on to something when I heard them the first time. I am a firm believer that no one can truly appreciate musical talent, or lack thereof, without seeing an act live.

Knowing this trio is made up of barely legal Brits (Davy Knowles – guitar/vox, Adam Jones – bass, Ross Doyle – drums), it was surprising to see the turnout of mostly 40 and 50 somethings with their families and a smattering of college preppies. Being compared to the likes of Hendrix, SRV, BB King, Clapton, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker and other blues legends, I did expect a discerning audience. They showed up and they were not to be disappointed.

From the second they hit the stage it was obvious this was going to be a great show. I had no idea what I was in for. Knowles was instantly mesmerizing with his mastery of the six string. He worked over that Stratocaster like it was a true extension of himself. The emotion that poured from his soul when he sang could bring anyone to their knees: he has a true charisma on that stage and knows how to make a crowd happy. More importantly, he is just genuinely happy doing what he loves. He seems to have no rockstar ego at all. When the crowd cheers, he smiles like a little kid who just made his dad proud. It was so enthralling to watch him that the rest of the band just faded away into the background. Don’t get me wrong, Jones and Doyle are so solid in their own right they give Knowles the building blocks to be as good as he is. This is a great trio that gels just right.

Along with a few new unreleased tracks, the show was riddled with cover songs from many artists who influenced Davy and the band. Jon Hiatt’s “Riding with the King”, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Rory Gallagher, The Robert Cray Band “Back Door Slam”(where the bands name came from) and an unbelievably amazing cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House” which you can see here.

Some guy screamed out “Bless your parents!” during the show.

I have to agree. These guys got some high quality genetic components, but Back Door Slam have more to offer than just a great musical gift. This is a band that has what it takes to build an honest following and a substantial career: they tour hard and will earn their fans the old-fashioned way, giving them an amazing experience every time they play. Anyone who goes to a show and becomes a fan of this band should know that they have witnessed something really special. I’m gonna say it now, these guys are gonna be big.

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