Photo Credit: Marty Moffat.
Bywater Call's highly anticipated third studio album, "Shepherd," set for release on August 9th, 2024, is a masterclass in blending the rich tapestry of roots, rock, and soul. From the opening track to the final note, this album exemplifies the band's growth, experimentation, and unyielding commitment to their craft.
Bywater Call, known for their dynamic, emotional live performances, have managed to encapsulate the energy and intensity of their stage presence into "Shepherd." This album marks their first fully self-produced and self-recorded project, showcasing their evolution and maturity as musicians. The result is a captivating mix of ten original songs that reflect the human experience with all its highs and lows: love, passion, regret, patience, resilience, reconciliation, anger, and hardship.
The band's journey to "Shepherd" has been marked by significant milestones. Their previous singles, "Sweet Maria," "For All We Know," and "Holler," received rave reviews and extensive radio play across the UK, Europe, and North America. These tracks, included in the new album, laid the groundwork for what fans can expect from "Shepherd" — a rich blend of soulful ballads, energetic rock tunes, and funky grooves.
The album opens with "Everybody Knows," a classic southern rock anthem that tells a story of reckoning with past decisions. Meghan Parnell’s powerful vocals are complemented by a riveting piano and searing guitar riffs, setting the tone for the emotional journey that follows. This track, like many others on the album, showcases the band's ability to blend storytelling with musical prowess, creating a compelling listening experience.
The delta blues stomper "Holler" embodies unrestrained passion. The haunting resonator sets the stage for a track that is both visceral and electrifying. Bywater Call’s ability to blend blues with rock and soul is showcased brilliantly here, proving their prowess in the genre. The raw energy and emotion in this track make it a standout on the album.
"For All We Know" offers a rootsy hymn of redemption and self-discovery. The song’s beautiful arrangement and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply, teaching that inner strength and the tools for thriving are within reach. This track exemplifies the band’s ability to create music that is both introspective and inspiring, encouraging listeners to look within themselves for the strength to overcome challenges.
"Turn It Around" brings an energetic roots soul vibe, discussing the challenges of taming one’s wild side to hold onto true love. The vibrant interplay between the instruments and Parnell’s vocals creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience. This track is a testament to the band's ability to blend various musical influences into a cohesive and compelling sound.
The album closes with "Sign of Peace," a tribute to the band’s New Orleans influences. This brass band, second-line shout-out emphasizes the importance of lending a hand to those in need and calling for help when necessary. The jubilant brass arrangements and heartfelt lyrics close the album on a high note, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and resilience.
"Shepherd" is not just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through the human experience, delivered with heart and soul. Bywater Call’s dynamic live shows are legendary, and this album captures that same energy and emotion, making it a must-listen for fans of roots, rock, and soul music. The band's ability to transcend genres while staying true to their roots is showcased brilliantly in this album, making it a testament to their continual evolution as artists.
The album's release comes at a time when Bywater Call is gaining significant recognition in the music world. They are currently nominated for the UK Blues Award for International Blues Artist of the Year, a testament to their growing influence and popularity. Their extensive touring schedule in 2023, which included 96 shows in 10 countries, 89 cities, 19 US states, and 3 Canadian provinces, has helped them build a dedicated fanbase and gain critical acclaim.
Bywater Call’s ability to connect with their audience through their music is evident in every track on "Shepherd." The album's themes of love, resilience, and the human experience are universal, making it a powerful and relatable body of work. The band's commitment to their craft and their ability to push the boundaries of their genre are evident throughout the album, making it a standout release in 2024.
Bywater Call’s "Shepherd" is a triumph, showcasing the band’s growth, experimentation, and unyielding commitment to their craft. The album is a rich blend of soulful ballads, energetic rock tunes, and funky grooves, all tied together by Meghan Parnell’s captivating vocals and the band’s impeccable musicianship. Each track is thoughtfully crafted, reflecting the highs and lows of the human experience with authenticity and passion. "Shepherd" is not just an album; it’s an experience that will leave a lasting impression on listeners, solidifying Bywater Call’s place as one of the most exciting and dynamic bands in the roots, rock, and soul genre.
SPRING/ SUMMER USA/CANADA TOUR 2024
2-August Pomeroy, OH Big Bend Blues Bash
4-August Knoxville, TN Tennessee Riverboat
7-September Drumheller, AB, Canada Badlands Roots, Blues and BBQ
EUROPE FALL TOUR 2024
2-October Verviers, Belgium Spirit of 66
3-October Heilbronn, Germany Waldhaus
4-October Zaandam, Netherlands De Flux
5-October Enschede, Netherlands Mystiek Theatre
6-October Weert, Netherlands De Bosuil 8-October Fulda, Germany Kulturkeller
9-October Utrecht, Netherlands Tivoli (Cloud 9)
10-October Herent, Belgium GC De Wildeman
11-October Isernhagen, Germany Blues Garage
12-October Assen, Netherlands New Blues Festival
13-October Bonn, Germany Harmonie
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