Watching Nashville based Parker Barrow performance tonight at The Grace was a real treat. They sound great and exuded positive energy from the get go. Megan Kane, the gorgeously effervescent golden haired singer was smiling and upbeat and fast moving on the stage. To see Kane perform is a tonic, as her positivity is infectious. Holding and playing her tambourine at times, Megan oozed Southern US wholesomeness and wonderful energy. And Kane has such a powerful voice too.

Crossing the genres of Country Rock, soulful infused Blues, full on Rock and Prog Rock, this vocal powerhouse is so suited to the larger venues. So to see her here at this intimate venue with a perfectly balanced sound, was a delight to be up so close. Indeed, she’s been compared to Janice Joplin, but that is a pale comparison, as the composite of Megan’s vocality is much more. Think Bonnie Raitt and Country mixed up with Aretha, and with rawness at times. Combined with a smile and cheerfulness, Megan is so watchable, and was passionate throughout.

The band is tight and attuned to each other. At the back was Dylan Turner, engaging in some superb emotive drumming, with the equally talented Eric Safka on keys. Kane and Turner are actually husband and wife. Indeed, there was a so tender set moment when Megan went to the back of the stage and gazed lovingly at Dylan, paused, smiled with delight and then momentarily played with his drumstick!

Although, to their credit, this husband and wife team do not dominate the other band members. Rather they let them enhance Parker Barrow both musically and energetically. As for the superb Safka, he really came into his own later on in the set when he was given space to play his organ Hammond style. Indeed, he would give our UK Blues and keys artists a good run for their tunes and groove!

Will Tipton has intense introverted confidence when playing guitar, as does Alex Bender, who both duly delivered for you guitar geeks out there using Fender Strats and a Gibson. Bo Howard on bass and vocals is more of a front man, vibing with Kane, while doing his own ecstatic musical thing! In summary, a confident, passionate sextet, full of great solid band members.

Their compositions rock as well, with their set including their last single ‘Make It’, ‘Don’t Tell Mamma’, the soulful, beautiful and moving, ‘Back to Birmingham’, ‘My Morning Song’, ‘Count Your Dollar’ and ‘Blinded’. They also played their new addictive single, ‘Novocaine’, of which its powerful Blues Rock and lyrics blew me away. In the meantime, just make sure you listen to their new single and then experience Parker Barrow live when they return to the UK in November, supporting The Damn Truth.

Review and Photos including special guest Ashley Sherlock: Denise Lester