When fresh-faced and uber-talented guitarist Davy Knowles broke out in 2008 with his band Back Door Slam the poor kid hardly got a break. Him and his trio made multiple exhausting trips to the States from their home base in the Isle of Man to play festivals, media events and opening slots for whoever would have them. But, all the work paid off and many important people in the biz took notice - most notably none other than Peter Frampton (a heralded guitar phenom in his own day) who has stepped up to produce the follow-up Coming Up For Air out now on Blix Street Records.

Knowles' fiery licks ignite on "Tear Down The Walls" which starts off with some smoldering B3 from Heartbreaker Benmont Tench - a guest on several of the CD's tracks. "Hear Me Lord" is an intense cover of the George Harrison spiritual with more transcendent six-string work. A bonus track titled "Taste of Danger" with Jonatha Brooke appears on both artist's recent albums and is a smart marketing move to help listeners get a taste of each individual's flavorful talent. While Davy Knowles is rooted in the blues and cites Irish export Rory Gallagher as his biggest influence the artist has the voice, looks and chops for mass crossover appeal - think Mayer, Clapton, and Winwood - that's where DK is headed as he grows his fan base in 2009 touring with acts like Jeff Beck and the monstrous Chickenfoot.

Knowles often checks in with fans on his Twitter page and he has relayed the fact that while on tour he's watching instructional videos by other axe masters like Eric Johnson and more. This is cool because with two heralded full-length albums already under his belt the 22-year-old shows an inspiring commitment to his craft and a willingness to keep learning - and although he's Coming Up For Air - Davy Knowles ain't taking a breather.

• Info: -- USA/TN 2009: www.davyknowles.com (Richard J. Lynch/Kweevak.com)