The magnificent roots, soul ‘n’ rock band BYWATER CALL which we have described as a yumptious homestyle band with super-slick big city accomplishments have released “Roll,” an upbeat and whimsical retro-soul song, as their second single of 2024.
“Roll” was recorded & mixed by Bywater drummer Bruce McCarthy at his studio The BeatFarm in Toronto, Canada
you have to hold your head up and just keep moving forward…
“This song, through the stories of three ordinary people, speaks to the curve balls thrown at us in the game of life,” says Bywater Call’s singer, Meghan Parnell.
“The lesson: you have to hold your head up and just keep moving forward.”
The song has delicate organ phrasing from keyboardist John Kervin and a sophisticated bass line from Mike Meusel, and was initially inspired by an old James Carr tune entitled “The Dark End of the Street.” However, during recording, the song rapidly developed its own identity.
Add-in the smoothness of Otis Redding and the stylish sensibility of Wood Brothers era Americana, plus a little levity and uniqueness, mostly from drummer Bruce McCarthy’s percussion, with dingle-dangle guitar, and a dash of passionate slide, and you have yourself one jim-dandy bedazzler. Super-attentive!
The next album, Shepherd, scheduled for release on August 9th, 2024, is a compelling collection of ten original songs that will highlight the band’s ongoing experimentation and efforts to push the confines of their genre and forge a distinctive identity. Their evolution is evident in these new songs, which also honour their contemporary and historical influences. The album will be Bywater Call’s first to be entirely self-produced and self-recorded.
In October 2024, they band headline their second UK tour. Details at www.bywatercall.com
Photo: © Erin Consentino