Review: Bywater Call 'Shepherd’

Photo: Denis Carpentier

Review: Bywater Call ‘Shepherd’

By Martine Ehrenclou

Canadian roots rock band Bywater Call stands on the brink of greatness. With a powerhouse lead singer like Meghan Parnell at the helm, backed by a band of world-class musicians who are also exceptional songwriters, Bywater Call is one of the most compelling acts on the scene today.

Their third studio album, Shepherd, is a breath of fresh air—a modern, infectious groove that commands attention from the first note. With 10 original tracks steeped in roots, rock, and blues, and a full horn section to boot, Shepherd is the album you didn’t know you needed.

Bywater Call’s talent has not gone unnoticed. They’ve racked up multiple Maple Blues Award nominations in Canada, and most recently, they received a 2024 UK Blues Awards nomination for International Blues Artist of the Year. Formed in 2017 by Parnell and guitarist Dave Barnes, the band has toured extensively, gracing leading festival stages around the world. They’ve shared the spotlight with acts like Blackberry Smoke and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean Cruise and have often been hailed as the “find of the fest” at numerous events.

“Everybody Knows” kicks off the record with a Southern rock vibe, led by one of the best vocalists around. Meghan Parnell isn’t just technically skilled—she’s soulful, powerful, and gives her all.

Shepherd is a mix of rollicking rootsy numbers and intimate ballads, some with a swampy feel. “Colours” is about a “hurricane love” that leaves one shattered, shaken. Parnell’s vocal delivery echoes shades of Susan Tedeschi and Aretha Franklin, yet with her distinct, unique style.

“Sweet Maria” is one of the funky numbers with guts. Barnes’ slide guitar work is simmering, unhurried. The chorus boasts harmonies and hand clapping.

The band is comprised of Meghan Parnell (vocals), Dave Barnes (guitar), Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), newest member, John Kervin (keys), Stephen Dyte (trumpet) and Julian Nalli (tenor sax).

A foot stomper, “Holler” wails with sinewy slide guitar, dipping deep into a rootsy blues feel. This track has such personality, partly due to Barnes’ guitar chops and stomping beats. Over acoustic guitar, Meghan Parnell’s voice rings out. Right there, we know we’re in for a helluva ride.

With generic pop and hip hop being the popular music of our time, Bywater Call is your antidote. Think Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt, or even Tedeschi Trucks. Authentic, real, and highly talented.

I could go on about most of the songs on Shepherd. Written mostly about the human condition and overcoming obstacles in life, they are delivered with a deeply soulful approach.

“Roll” is another standout. “This song, through the stories of three ordinary people, speaks to the curve balls thrown at us all in the game of life,” says Parnell. “The lesson: you have to hold your head up and just keep moving forward.” Celebrating resilience, it’s rootsy to its core, complete with resonator and fiery slide guitar from Barnes and a gospel-inspired build. With the best kind of slow groove, it’s a swampy, bluesy number that boasts slide guitar, horns and backing singers.

Funky and percussive, “Now and Never” complete with horns, is a celebration of love. The groove is sexy and slinky.

The slide guitar solo on the catchy rock & roller “As If” is superb. That’s Barnes for you, you’ll hear him throughout the album.

Bywater Call offers more than just roots music, soul, rock & roll, and groove. Their songwriting, the collaboration of these gifted musicians, and Parnell’s remarkable voice make Shepherd a must-listen.

Highly recommended.

“Holler”