Bywater Call – Live – Oran Mor – noblepr

Review By Darren McIntyre Images by Scott Anderson

Bywater Call are a powerhouse 7 piece southern soul, roots rock band from Toronto, Canada. In 2023 the band played 96 shows in 10 countries, 89 cities, 19 US States & 3 Canadian Provinces and performed a live stream for famed German TV Show Pockpalast. They have performed on Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive cruise, Meghan & Dave opened for Southern California Rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck on their sold out European Tour. The band brought us their first new release of 2024 in the form of Holler and followed that with As If, Everybody Knows, & Sweet Maria from their incredible album Shepherd. The band released a live album Sunshine that propelled them into new territory that brought them a legion of new fans. theyreleased their first studio single of 2025 in the form of Hold Me Down and follow that with the barnstorming bruiser Ain’t No Friend Of Mine and to get us smiling from ear to ear Meghan & the boys are on tour right now and tonight they roll into Glasgow @ Oran Mor, please strap yourself in as I take in this incredible bunch of musicians from Toronto, the place is packed as the house lights dim and the PA bursts into life as the band take to the stage and launch into –

Talking Backwards – The gig kicks off with a killer brass section that lets this colossal blues infused rocker leave it’s mark on the fine folk of Glasgow as we hit the ground running and feel the electricity hit us from the very first note. Meghan unleashes her incredible vocals that are able to stop traffic let me tell you as she commands the crowd from the stage as we feel the groove take over us as this punchy kick ass track erupts, the trumpet tones are filling every corner of this cool venue as we get cowbell hits, slick guitar licks and it is all rounded off with a punchy rhythm section that controls the beat from the back of the room. We are going nuts for this phenomenal 7 piece groove machine that is like a tornado ripping through Glasgow with ease as we stroll into –

As If – The band rocks up with a real funky groove laden tone as we feel the energy pouring from the stage as the final track is laid before us and boy is is a doozie. The brass section is coming at us with all it has as we feel the funk hit us and the rhythm section brings the heat with snare drum punches, bass kicks and cymbal crashes that really let this track breathe, Meghan lets her incredible vocals bring to gig to a real high point as she struts around the stage and watches the crowd follow her every move as the boys add their own personal touches to tonight’s shenanigan’s. Dave comes in with a sweet clean guitar riff that works so well in this blues eruption that is just incredible as we are witnessing something special tonight and for those who missed it shame on you, the place is rocking with everyone feeling the love oozing from each musician as they just leave their heart on the stage as we build the momentum of this ferocious band that just give their all as we saunter into –

No One Else – We get a smooth snare drum tap that brings bass kicks to this slowed down, mellow groover that tells us that this outfit are riding high on the crest of a wave with their signature sound, stage presence and power packed grooves that light up any room. The track brings cymbal crashes that are wrapped in a soulful, meaty bass groove that really grabs our attention as we feel our bodies being taken over by another force as this band just grab us and take us along for the ride, the band are super tight, melodic, fun loving and sharp as a tack with their awesome tunes. A killer piano solo ripples towards the end of the track as the place really gets behind this phenomenon from Toronto, we roll into –

Arizona – It begins with a pounding drum section that lets the sweet keys join and lift the arrangement as Dave goes front and centre and brings us a sizzling guitar lick that has us all fixed on the stage as this incredible track comes to life. Meghan is crouched at her mic and hitting the tmbourine as this foot stomper comes to life as the brass section leans in and really sets the tone as the groove builds, the place is ready as Dave shreds out and really lets the track wrap itself around us as we feel the anticipation grow. Meghan yells out as the cowbell and brass section let the sizzle build as this melodic, blues masterpiece sets out it’s stall and really lets us have it both barrels as this awesome tune leaves it’s mark on the fine folk oF Glasgow tonight, a mellow saxophone solo ripples through the arrangement as this band really cements itself in the fabric of Southern Soul / Roots Rock as they deliver a real thought provoking track that allows Meghan to really deliver a crisp, clean vocal that fills every corner of this iconic music venue, we catch our breath and move onto –

Colours – Sweet guitar licks flow from the intro as a cool acoustic strumming chords let the soulful vocals light this track up with real ease as Meghan lets her incredible vocals steal the show. The mellow rhythm section rolls in with a punchy snare drum beat as the bass kicks give this almost gospel like track depth, sass, swagger and real groove, the addition of the brass section really lifts this awesome arrangement with ease as the funking bassline wraps itself around this mesmerising number as we lose ourselves in the colossal delicious tones that are hitting us from every angle. The whole track is just building and building as we really get lost in the magnetism of this incredible outfit as they deliver another stunning number. The place is buzzing with the sense of wonderment as this awesome band can do no wrong as we stroll into –

Sweet Maria – Kicking off this blues infused / americana classic track comes incredible keys that flow effortlessly through the intro before a solid snare drum beat hits us and brings the bass kicks that just light this track up. We have incredible soulful vocals that are steeped in a blues infused tone that works so well in this toe tapping track, there is a colossal brass section that brings a real New Orleans feel to this fantastic arrangement. The bassline is a real cool mellow groove that wraps itself around the intense groove that has washed over us and really brings the swagger to this killer arrangement, the keys are a real standout addition to this punchy groove laden piece. We take the tempo down a little as Meghan chants out and the backing vocals deliver a real soulful vibe that has us slapping our thighs and stamping our feet to this killer track that takes us on the journey with the band as they let us feel the emotion oozing from this incredible piece of music. We are blessed to be at this show tonight as those who missed it will be kicking themselves for sure, up next –

Left Behind – A super smooth, mellow guitar pick gets the track off the ground as the band joins in with killer brass that instantly puts you at ease as the rhythm section brings the heat with a punchy bass / snare groove that is finished with cool cymbal crashes that really let this band shine. Meghan oozes sheer quality with her outstanding vocals that light up any room let me tell you, the band are so in tune it is unbelievable as we witness perfection from these super talented musicians that really know how to put on a show. The place is rockin and rollin as the music wraps itself around us and just lets us come to terms with this gig tonight, the tempo changes pace as Hammond style keys linger through the mid section. A sultry, dark, delicious bassline drops in and really gives us a sweet, melodic groove that just puts a smile on your face let me tell you. The crowd are silent as they watch the stage light up with an electricity all it’s own as the band come at us from all sides as we await the change in tempo as the place readies itself for the end result, a cool, heavy bass kick is flowing from the stage as the cymbal snaps wrap themselves around us as we feel the energy rise as Dave steps up and just oozes quality with his exquisite playing that is out of this world. We had some mic issues at the start of the track but you wouldn’t notice as Meghan sorts it out with the sound guys as we flow right into –

Clutter – Dave gets the track underway as he strums lightly on his acoustic guitar with Meghan leans in with her incredible, melodic vocals which are effortless I can tell you. This is one of those tracks that you can instantly lose yourself and be taken on the journey with this epic outfit, backing vocals add depth and emotion to this colossal track that just puts a smile on your face. Bass kicks ease in as trumpet tones fill the air as this sensational track ripples under the surface as the place is just fixed on the stage as we watch with sheer joy written on our faces. A sweet, mellow bassline drops in and really settles the track into a groove that is on the money, trumpet & saxophone notes fill the air as the band shifts through the gears and gives us an unforgettable night of Blues, Southern Soul that will stay with us for a long time, Meghan and the boys stop for a second and thank us for coming out and really supporting them as it has been a pleasure to be with you all tonight as we ease into –

Way To Go – A cool foot stomping groove flows through the intro as Meghan offloads her stunning, melodic vocals as this killer track bursts into life as the boys bring the groove. The rhythm section is controlling the room with it’s pounding bass kicks that let Dave lean in with cool, sweet guitar licks that really give the track a little depth, swagger and attitude for sure, the funking, deep bassline adds soul to this classic number as the band just come together and really show us what they are all about. Killer Hammond style keys come through and let us feel the funk rolling from the stage as we get all funky and fresh as the band just shift through the gears and really deliver an unforgettable night of rock n roll that will be hard to beat and I should know as I have been to thousands of shows, the place is just grinning from ear to ear as this fantastic 7 piece groove machine turns up the heat and just offloads with energy, poise, musicality and bags of swagger that is just grabbing our attention as we roll into –

Ain’t No Friend Of Mine – The cool track erupts into life with a thundering snare drum roll that really sets the tone for this rocking monster as a delicious, dark low end drops in. The smouldering, melodic vocals from Meghan bring the track to life as the boys bring the groove with a cool brass section that instantly lifts this arrangement, the cool, slick guitar licks are weaving their way through the track as the band just seals the deal with a real country, blues composition that has us stamping our feet and really feeling the gritty, bluesy licks that are easing their way through this punchy, rocking beast. The towering vocals are just kicking in the doors and letting us feel the depth, swagger and soul oozing from this classy, well thought out arrangement, this band are tearing up the UK and tonight is no exception as we let them take us into –

The Weight – We get a sultry, meaty bassline that just hits us with wave after wave of epic grooves as the rhythm section lets the crowd feel the groove as pounding bass kicks that are armed with a snare drum beat that finishes off with cymbal snaps that just let this track breath. The keys are rippling through the intro as they are joined by the brass section as this funky, toe tapping beast lets the story unfold as Meghan joins the party with a soulful, powering vocal that just hits us straight in the face with it’s sheer tone and depth as this funky blues infused number grabs our attention. The place is rockin and rollin as Meghan & the boys lay themselves bare for us tonight as they deliver a slick, no nonsense set that is just brimming with classics, new tunes and songs that will stay with us for a long time, the crowd are really getting into the groove as a sweet, melodic saxophone leans in and really brings the funk as the band dances around on stage and feels the energy oozing tonight, we roll into –

How Long – A mellow intro brings punchy snare drum beats as a cool, meaty bassline brings stability to this awesome arrangement as the the keys let themselves shine as the track builds and builds. Meghan kicks in the doors with her incredible vocals that just stop us in our tracks as this real thought provoking number is brought to our attention, the brass section tells it’s own story as the boys bring depth and swagger to the show as they really let us feel the funk, blues feel hit us with ease. The band are just warming up as they hit the gears and let Dave lean in with a swirling, mellow guitar solo that is bringing a real haunting feel to the venue as the band tells us their story through these incredible lyrics that have been laid before us tonight as Meghan smashes it with her towering, soulful vocals that are just incredible. The place is witnessing something special here tonight, up next –

Everybody Knows – We come into full on rocking blues mode as Meghan lets off the fireworks as her colossal vocals punch us straight in the face as this foot stomping rock blues track leaves it’s mark. The rhythm section is coming at us with a punchy snare drum beat as the bass kicks deliver a real grooving tone that just builds and builds as the horn section leans in and brings a crisp, uptempo feel that just lets us watch this incredible outfit deliver a potential show of the year for me( I know I have not been to many this year but still) but this band are something special as they have a real blues, americana blend that just works. The piano tones are lingering as the whole band beefs up the tone with a real healthy groove that just allows us to throw some shapes and really feel the energy, attitude and rawness from this killer outfit that has been nothing short of extrordinary let me tell you, Meghan gets us involved as we clap along and really let the musicality take us to the next level as the band just deliver, we roll into the last track of the evening as Meghan thanks us for coming out and watching them do their thing. The band leave the stage but as they leave there is a chorus of No Scotland No Party and this brings the band back as they give us –

Falls Away – Meghan chats with us and tells us what can we do in our day off tomorrow in Glasgow and says come say hi at the merch stand and buy a t- shirt or vinyl or just say hi. The track bursts into life as Meghan unleashes her incredible vocals as the funking, deep, delicious bassline leads the charge with it’s soulful grooves, the rhythm section is bringing a cool, funky tone that lets the guys bring their infectious beats that just light up the room let me tell you. The brass section is hitting us with a real toe tapping, mellow groove as the bass kicks lean in and let the track breath as the funking, groove laden bassline charges through the mid section as Dave steps forward and hits us with a real slick, sizzling solo that gives us goosebumps for sure as the band takes us all the way with their electrifying musicality, crisp tones and epic feel that is just incredible, we come to the last track –

Holler – Meghan gets us all clapping along as the cool, meaty bassline drops in with the killer lyrics of No Scotland No Party as the boys let the groove ease into the track. Meghan unleashes her incredible vocals that just put a smile on your face as a crisp guitar lick oozes through the intro. A pounding bass kick lets the rhythm section lead the charge as this epic night ending tune leaves it’s mark on Glasgow tonight as we clap along and Holler( see what I did there) as the boys sizzle their way through this incredible track that just showcases Meghan’s incredible vocals that have filled every corner of this classic venue tonight, I hope it won’t be too long before Meghan & the boys touch down on our shored.

Bywater Call –

Meghan Parnell – Vocals

Dave Barnes – Guitar

Mike Meusel – Bass

John Kervin – Keys

Stephen Dyte – Trumpet

Julian Nalli – Tenor Sax

Bruce McCarthy – Drums

Setlist –

Talking Backwards

As If

No One Else