The Rockit 88 Band – Shake a Hand featuring Meghan Parnell of Bywater Blues – 7 Arts

1953, New Jersey-born Faye Adams struck gold with songwriter Joe Morris’s soulful ode, “Shake a Hand”, a song very much in touch with the 50s’. Adams version soared to #1 on the R&B charts and #23 on American pop charts. Elvis Presley covered in 1957; LaVern Baker, Little Richard followed and then the ultimate take and remake – singer Freddie Scott gave it the full treatment on his classic 1967 album, Are You Lonely for Me? It was that version that was presented to me by music specialist and big soul record collector, Craig Webb. Craig fired off an mp3 to Jesse King and me for inclusion on our Friday radio show – Groove Radio Friday at CIUT 89.5 FM. The timing couldn’t have been better.
I’d been searching around for songs that could be bent and shaped for blues/soul singer supreme, Meghan Parnell. Meghan is a member and lead vocalist for Bywater Blues Band and Toronto Blues Society Talent Search 2018 winners. Part of the package of goodies awarded recipients is a photo session with me. This is where the magic began and how we met. Meghan can sing, I’m mean seriously sing in the classic “soul-blues” tradition – that link between Americana and urban roots music. It’s Otis Redding meets Janis Joplin while shaking hands with Etta James. There’s dust, soil, a hot summer wind, and miles of history in that voice.

Meghan dropped by my home studio I refer to as the “Station House” and laid down three sides. A day or so before, I bounced “Shake a Hand’ off her, hearing the classic song as a natural fit and she agreed. We cut three sides and as expected Meghan nailed the vocals. Let’s just say she brought the “Janis” to the session and returned in her own image. This is when the 2019 version of the Rockit 88 Band was summoned and walked that extra mile.

Reggae hall a fame Everton “Pablo” Paul added drums in his home studio, Side Door Records, 8-time Juno nominee and producer, Jesse “Dubmatix” King played bass and mastered, the amazing Neil Chapman and original member of the Rockit 88 Band, guitars, and me? - Produce, keyboards, and mix.

It’s been 13 years since a last Rockit 88 Band side has appeared and worked with Meghan makes the quiet time in between no more than a brief interlude in an ongoing body of work. Big thanks to the Bywater family for lending us, Meghan!