Bywater Call will release Sunshine on Friday 22nd August, the Canadian roots, rock, and soul band’s first live album.
Out now, is their second single release from the forthcoming long playerm, an extended cover of the beloved Stephen Stills classic hit ‘Love The One You’re With’ – Apparently a favourite among Bywater Call concert goers, this live take comes from one of the band’s two sold-out shows at the historic Rivoli in Toronto, Canada in December 2024.
“This song a great representation of our live show and the chemistry between all the band members,” said lead singer Meghan Parnell. “You really get to hear the power of the vocal and then the craftsmanship of the instrumentalists as I step away from the mic and really let them do their thing. No live version of this song is the same. Every time we perform it, it’s a journey.”
Questions still remain whether Stephen Stills’ ‘Love The One You’re With’ is about 70s free love or simply an excuse to cheat on your partner by way of some impressive rhythming couplets. It also has a timeless infectious trainchugging beat. All things considered, a tune hard to beat, and there have been some decent covers. What Canadian act Bywater Call do is slow down the pace, lessening that male primal lust but giving it a lazy roll-in-the-hay feel by virture of some funky-assed bass, then when singer Meghan Parnell comes in getting sassy, enticing you she begins to work her way deeper into your soul. Just as you’re getting more than a little bit comfy, Bywater Call‘s horn section decide to worm their way between the sheets and this orgy of exploratory sound really gets going.
The band’s long instrumenal section takes ‘Love The One You’re With’ through jazz, some almost medieval prog fusion, a little soul and a psych guitar exploration, all underpinned by Mike Meusel’s rolling bass that once returning to its funkier embellishments has the band coming in hard and heavy for a climax that pours out quite deliciously. That some ten minutes have passed is uncanny, and once you’ve regained your energy you’ll want to play the single again.
The Sunshine album features a mix of newly released music, the aforementioned Stephen Stills’ cover and funky new original title-track ‘Sunshine’ that was their single back, plus fan favourites ‘As If’, ‘Sign Of Peace’, and ‘Everybody Knows‘ from 2024’s Shepherd album, and ‘Bring Me Down’ taken from their 2019 self-titled debut album.
The songs are said to feature extended jams, fiery solos, and haunting introductions from shows in Toronto, Canada, Woodstock, New York, USA and Newbury, UK.
The live album features the talents of Dave Barnes (Guitar, slide), Mike Meusel (Bass), Bruce McCarthy (Drums), John Kervin (Keyboards), Julian Nalli (Sax), and Stephen Dyte (Trumpet). Together, the band command the innate ability to improvise, innovate and play off each other, while highlighting the gritty, dynamic, and emotive vocals of lead singer Meghan Parnell. The recording is said to be a true reflection of the heart and sweat poured out on stage every night and was recorded and mixed by drummer McCarthy and mastered by Kristian Montano of Montano Mastering.
‘Sunshine’, their first single of 2025 and also their first official live release is an upbeat funk, soul, electric blues tune that simultaneously shows off the emotive, sometimes quirky, powerful vocals of lead singer Meghan Parnell and the skilled yet spirited, inter-play between the band.
“Lyrically, ‘Sunshine’ paints a vivid picture of two people, each chasing their own version of a brighter future, however flawed it may be, and holding onto that vision even when things fall apart,” observed Parnell. “It captures the resilient human spirit, reminding us that no matter how tough things get, there is a glimmer of hope just waiting to break through.”
‘Sunshine’ was recorded live on tour in 2024 at Arlington Arts in Newbury, UK and mixed by Bywater drummer Bruce McCarthy in Toronto, Canada. The video you can check out here at RAMzine was shot by Lightning House Media over the course of two sold-out shows at the historic Rivoli in Toronto in December.
Often transcending genres, Bywater Call is known for their dynamic, emotional live shows, featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members.
Whether it’s the popping bass, snazzy horns, Meghan Parnell’s loud and proud vocal delivery or something else, Bywater Call’s new single ‘Sunshine (Live)’ proves to be a raucously swinging funky old school rhythm ‘n blues that even those deemed young should be tapping their feet along to.
You can stream both singles here and order the Sunshine album on vinyl and CD here.
Tickets for their November UK tour, with Dan Patlansky, are on sale now at The Gig Cartel and Bywater Call’s website – You can read more about the tour at RAMzine here.
