Wed, 11/18/2009 - 11:57 pm

It’s time to grab a beer and browse the CD racks at Waterloo Records which hosted Collin Herring’s newest album release “Ocho” this Tuesday, November 17th.  The Fort Worth native has made his way back down to Austin with a slate full of shows around Texas.

Collin Herring’s fourth album, “Ocho” comes on the heels of his other albums "Avoiding The Circus" (2002), "The Other Side Of Kindness" (2005) and "Past Life Crashing" (2008).

“Ocho” is a softer album and as Herring hung outside for a smoke break with some fans, he said that he was excited to play some quieter stuff.  Self-described as folky-rock-and-roll, Herring’s sound is hard to box in a single genre.  With his father beside him strumming the steel guitar and telling some father-son funnies, there is a definite old country twang that makes you think of your grandpa’s honky-tonk music.  The energetic drums and cooling bass wraps the sound into a whole different package.

Backing up Herring on this album are some familiar names like:  Will Johnson (backup vocals, guitar) of the Centro-Matics, Monahans members Roberto Sanchez (percussion) and Britton Beisenherz (bass), and Keith Hanna (bass).   Ben Roi Herring strumming the good-ole twang is, as mentioned, Collin Herring’s talented father.

Collin Herring’s voice is very lovely and at times reminiscent of Michael Stipe in his earlier days.  “Ocho” is a toe-tapping, cool album with relaxing and thoughtful songs.  A rock-and-roll beat to dance to would have made me feel complete, but the stripped-down sample tonight was a good way to chill out after work.  Herring’s music on “Ocho” sounds both familiar and safe.  If you are waiting to be gob-smacked, this is probably not it.  If you want a good chill-out album with some Texas twang, then this is pleasant choice.

Catch Collin Herring and his merry men at any of his upcoming Texas shows:

  • November 26, The Moon Bar, Fort Worth
  • November 28, The Ghost Room, Austin
  • December 12, Jake's Back Room, Lubbock
  • December 16, Mohawk, Austin
Wed, 12/09/2009 - 5:04 am

Is this guy for real!  I only ask such a silly question because this talented Davy Knowles is ripping some nasty good blues that threaten to blow your head off. This sexy young Brit was at Stubb’s in Austin for his national tour with the Back Door Slam, December 6th.  Following the release of their new album, Coming Up For Air, and sporting some brand new band members, Davy Knowles and the Back Door Slam are back.

Davy fist came to Austin back in 2007 for the South by Southwest Festival and has been turning heads here in the US ever since.  Although tragedy and growing pains have torn apart the original Back Door Slam, Davy is touring with the talented PK on bass guitar and Steven Barci on drums.  They have been seen at some of the biggest festivals in the US like ACL and Bonnaroo.

He had some really dedicated fans come out to the venue set for about 150 and the vibe was energetic.  Davy Knowles plays with intensity and showed off his mad guitar skills.  You can’t help but dance and jam along as the power vocals and weeping guitar make you want to cry and smile at the same time.

Davy’s talent on the guitar is clear, but his voice is also impressive.  He can reach deep and pull out a guttural scream you need to sing the blues properly while never losing control of it.  His voice is beautiful, powerful and mature beyond his 21 years.  Davy thanks his dad for introducing him to bands like Dire Straits when he was just a tyke, and always knew he wanted to play like that.

Davy Knowles and the Back Door Slam play a mix of bluesy classics and their own originals.  If you are ready for a musical experience, check out Davy Knowles latest Coming Up For Air and let the chords wash over you.  You will feel like Eric Clapton, BB King and the Allman Brothers all got together and had a son when you listen to the talented and likeable Davy Knowles.