Review by Glen Parkes | Jace Media Music
There are plenty of ways to enjoy live music, but until now, sitting down to watch an entire concert through a livestream was something I had never really done. That changed when Canadian seven-piece Bywater Call brought their Live From Market Hall performance to screens through Volume.com, and I have to say, what an introduction to the world of livestreamed live music it turned out to be.
Broadcast from Market Hall in Peterborough, Ontario, on Friday 9 October 2026, this free concert gave fans the opportunity to experience one of Canada’s finest Southern soul and roots rock bands without having to be inside the venue. I went into it curious about how well the experience would work, but by the time the music got going, I was completely drawn into the performance.
Could watching a concert at home really capture the feeling of being there? Bywater Call made a pretty convincing case.
Seven Musicians, One Outstanding Sound
Fronted by the remarkable Meghan Parnell, Bywater Call have built their reputation on a musical blend that brings together blues, soul, Americana and roots rock. With Dave Barnes on guitar, Bruce McCarthy on drums and percussion, Mike Meusel on bass, Andrew Moljgun on keyboards, Stephen Dyte on trumpet and valve trombone, and Julian Nalli on saxophone, this is a band with plenty of musical firepower.
What struck me throughout the performance was the way every musician had room to contribute. Nothing felt like a collection of individuals simply playing their parts. Instead, the arrangements allowed the instruments to work together, building a rich sound that could move from laid-back soul into full-blooded blues rock without losing its identity.
Then there is Meghan Parnell. Her voice is one of those that makes you stop what you are doing and listen. There is power when the songs demand it, warmth when the arrangements ease back, and a depth of feeling that brings the lyrics to life. She does not need to force the performance; she lets the music do its work, and the results speak for themselves.
Songs That Make You Feel Something
With the show featuring material from their 2026 album Broken Souvenirs, alongside favourites from their back catalogue, there was plenty to enjoy for anyone who appreciates songs built around strong melodies, heartfelt vocals and musicianship that serves the music.
Tracks such as “So Far”, “No One Else”, “Is This Thing On?”, “Clutter”, “How Long” and “Way To Go” demonstrate the different sides of the band’s sound. There is soul in the grooves, blues in the guitar work, and a rootsy honesty running through the songwriting. The material from Broken Souvenirs is particularly well suited to a live setting, allowing the arrangements and emotional character of the songs to breathe.
Dave Barnes deserves special mention for the way his guitar work complements Parnell’s vocals. Rather than crowding the songs, his playing adds colour and feeling, while the horns bring another dimension to the arrangements. The rhythm section keeps everything moving, the keyboards fill out the sound, and the interplay between the musicians gives the performance its real strength.
It is that collective effort that makes Bywater Call stand out. You can hear the experience of a band that has spent years playing together, refining its sound and learning how to make every song count.
My First Livestream Experience
What made this show particularly memorable for me was the experience of watching it this way for the first time. I have spent plenty of time enjoying live music in venues, surrounded by fans and feeling the sound coming straight off the stage, so I was interested to see whether watching through a screen would give me anything close to that connection.
The answer was better than I expected.
The biggest surprise was how easily I settled into the performance. Instead of worrying about the distance between the stage and my living room, I found myself concentrating on the music, watching the musicians interact and appreciating details that can sometimes get lost when you are standing in a crowded venue.
Of course, nothing completely replaces being there in person, feeling the bass through your body and sharing the atmosphere with hundreds of other fans. But a well-presented livestream offers something different. You can sit back, properly listen, and appreciate the performance without distractions.
Volume.com’s artist-first approach made this an excellent opportunity to discover the possibilities of live music broadcasting. For bands with international audiences, it also offers a way to reach people who might not otherwise get the chance to see them perform.
If this is what livestreamed concerts can deliver, I can certainly see myself watching more in the future.
Looking Ahead to the UK Tour
The timing of this performance was particularly good for British fans, with Bywater Call preparing to bring their Broken Souvenirs material to the UK during January and February 2027.
The band have already established a strong reputation on the international blues and roots circuit, including recognition at the UK Blues Awards, where they have received consecutive nominations for International Act of the Year. Their combination of powerful vocals, expressive guitar playing, a lively horn section and emotionally engaging songwriting makes them a compelling proposition for the live stage.
Having watched this performance, I would encourage anyone considering attending one of the upcoming UK dates to take the opportunity. There is a real sense of purpose to this band, and the musicianship is matched by the feeling they put into their songs.
The livestream also provided a reminder of just how much there is to discover in modern blues, soul and roots rock. Bywater Call take familiar influences and make them their own, delivering music that feels authentic without being stuck in the past
My first experience of watching a complete concert through a livestream has been a very positive one, and Bywater Call were the perfect band to introduce me to it.
Live From Market Hall showed what can happen when a talented group of musicians, strong songwriting and a powerful vocalist come together. Meghan Parnell commands attention, Dave Barnes adds expressive guitar work, and the remaining musicians provide the depth and drive that make the band’s sound so distinctive.
Most importantly, the music held my attention from the comfort of my own home. I went into this as someone trying something new, and came away with a much greater appreciation of what a livestream concert can offer.
Would I still rather be in the venue? Absolutely. But has this experience made me more willing to watch another livestream? Without a doubt.
Bywater Call delivered a performance that made the screen feel far less like a barrier and far more like a window into a great live show. If you have not experienced this band yet, their upcoming UK tour is well worth investigating.
For me, this was an excellent introduction to livestreamed music, backed by a band whose talent deserves to be heard by a much wider audience.
Rating: 9/10
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