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Shepherd is Bywater Call’s third album.
Sometimes referred to as a blues band, Bywater Call is, by its own admission, a “powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots-rock band from Toronto, Ontario,” according to their press kit. The band derives their name from their favorite neighborhood in New Orleans, the Bywater.
Their influences, from New Orleans to Stax, to gospel music to The Band, are apparent. This does not undermine their creativity or their ability to write and arrange great original tunes. The influences here are cooked into a fine stew, creating something new out of all they have learned.
The songs are varied, from rave-ups to sensitive, melodic songs. Meaghan Parnell, on vocals, lays it down with a fiery, soulful enthusiasm, her tremendous voice in fine shape. The band lifts her, creating a musical energy that encourages her performance. There’s not a bad or disappointing song on the album.
Bywater Call is the brainchild and creative dream of Meaghan Parnell, the lead singer, and Dave Barnes, guitarist. To use those titles for them seems like faint praise. Parnell and Barnes put the power in the powerhouse.
Parnell is a singer of considerable strength, soul, and passion. Her voice is beautiful and raspy and throaty all at the same time. She has great control. She can command the attention of an audience whether belting it out loudly or softly charming us into a more intimate song.
Dave Barnes is a guitarist to be reckoned with. He plays impeccable rhythm guitar and slide-driven lead lines that are often referred to as “soaring.” I prefer to describe them as musical, rhythmically powerful, and soul-shaking. His slide also takes a supportive role, adding sustain and uplift to the music. When he cuts loose with a solo, he can lay it down with originality and a great sense of dynamics. His versatile lead and slide playing are worthy foils for Parnell’s voice.
Bywater Call is also a master of dynamics, knowing when to sing and play more softly to focus the listener’s attention, and when to bring the power to shake the audience. They are also adept at using textures to add sonic variety. Whether it’s a fingerpicked acoustic guitar part, a chiming piano, or a soft vocal, they know how to highlight the song and the melody.
The whole band is, according to their website, Meghan Parnell (vocals), Dave Barnes (guitar), Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), John Kervin (keys), Stephen Dyte (trumpet) and Julian Nalli (tenor sax).
If you get a chance to see Bywater Call performing live, don’t miss it! They’re one of our favorite live bands. They are always exciting, always fun. They tour in Europe a lot, and they are expanding into the U.S. market, too. If they come near you, go see them! It’s always worth it.
Bywater Call delivers, every time.
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Songs on Shepherd
Everybody Knows
“…and everybody knows the bed they sleep in…”
There’s the rhythm guitar, the piano, the testifying lead vocal, the horns, the backup vocals, all separate and clear. When the chorus comes around everybody gathers and makes a noise. For the final sing-along, Dave Barnes cuts loose with hot lead guitar.
Colours
“I opened your letter to get all my bad news today.”
The song opens with a slide guitar imitating a steel guitar, and a strummed acoustic. A lonesome but strong vocal starts up, testifying to the truth. Background vocals and horns get mixed in for the big moments. The organ does some cool and unusual stuff.
Sweet Maria
Starts with funky piano.
“Come on in, where you been, sweet Maria…”
The piano stays funky, the horns get a nice John-Simon-style break, and the guitar dances around with the funk. Like most of the songs, this builds to a crescendo. The crescendo remembers the melody. The song closes out with a good sing-along, a bit of a rave-up, some more funky piano, and then Meaghan sings the ending almost alone. Everything works.
Holler
Acoustic guitar and a big vocal full of reverb to start.
“A little peace before the dawn…”
Soon it turns into full church, with tasty guitar additions. Another big, satisfying finish.
For All We Know
Acoustic guitar opening, with Meaghan singing, tender and strong.
“For all we know, quicksand lies beyond the doorway…”
This song is beautifully composed, full of alternating quiet moments with mini crescendos. Dave Barnes displays his soft touch on the beautiful acoustic guitar part.
Roll
“Nothing to do but let it roll…”
Great song. Sometimes these guys remind me so much of the Band. The horns and piano are especially reminiscent. You could drop Richard Manuel’s lead vocal onto this. Here’s some more hot guitar where Dave plays as soulfully as Duane Allman. This is a band that is proud of every member. A great group acapella singalong closes the song.
Turn It Around
All the elements that make the band great are gathered up here. They work great together. Don’t miss the wonderful guitar solo. The horns provide a soft landing.
“And now my baby got me paying for my sins…”
Now and Never
Carrying a torch for Little Feat, going for fat rhythms and inscrutable lyrics. There are some surprises along the way.
“Die alone together…”
As If
Bass and drums introduce the horn section, bringing in Meghan Parnell, who has something to say.
“If I make you turn your gaslight on me…”
Sign of Peace
Elegaic beginning with soulful horns turns into a second-line ramble, which turns into a communal celebratory finish.
“If you see me, baby, way down low, give me a sign of peace.”