RIGHTEOUS CONTINENTAL & HAWKINS – LIVE

Obviously, since the current pandemic all live concerts have been canceled since March. Only in the last few months have restrictions been slightly lifted to allow small socially distant live shows. Since I have been itching to hear live music again I attended several of these patio or back porch events. There’s usually a small stage setup with much of the seating placed in the venue’s parking lot which works well for local covid compliance.

One thing that I actually admire is that most of these shows feature local talent. Most perform a hybrid set intermixing some original songs among choice covers. Our local musicians need to have an artistic outlet and make a few dollars. They are literally going broke fast.

I recently attended a show at Crystal Bees in Southington, Ct. featuring two upstart groups, Righteous Continental and Hawkins. The two bands have been making a name for themselves in the local music scene. I just reviewed Hawkins inaugural single, “Lights Off”. In 2017, Righteous Continental released their debut album entitled Psychoactive. It seemed a great double bill and I was really excited to experience some dynamic music.

Hawkins opened the show. The band consists of the brothers Frank (Ricky, Joe and Joshua) and lead singer Hawkins French. Right off the bat the group jumped into their high energy set. The first song was an original, I Think I Love Her” and then several cool covers followed. “L.A. Woman” by the Doors was a standout. Once they got to their single, “Lights Off”, the crowd was totally into their groove. After that Hawkins covered a wide variety of artists including CCR’s “Proud Mary” and Coldplay’s “Yellow”. They ended the set with a rousing version of Van Halen’s “Hot For Teacher”.

French was an energetic fireball. The musicianship of the the Frank brothers was outstanding. Ricky and Joshua created an amazingly strong back beat and Joe was impeccable on guitar. His riffs were impressible and his solos inventive. Hawkins is a definite band to watch. I can see great things in their future.

Up next was Righteous Continental. Fronted by lead guitarist and vocalist Ryan Newman, the power trio performed a blazing hot batch of blues and gut punching rock & roll. Newman was named “Best New Artist” by the prodigious New England Music Hall Of Fame. With Tim Leffingwell on bass and Mitch Igneri on drums, the group played an explosive set of originals and inventive takes on classic covers.

Their set featured an array of blues and rock standards covering such artists as Jimi Hendrix, Albert King and Stevie Ray. Every tune was mastered beautifully. Newman’s gritty vocals and his unbelievable guitar playing hit their mark. Leffingwell’s bass was immaculate and Igneri was powerful on percussions. The whole set was one gem after another including a tribute to the Peter Green written “Black Magic Woman” and Stevie Ray’s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” . The Righteous Continental originals were also strong and innovative. “Be Your Own Soul” and “Psychoactive” were quite noteworthy.

The whole bluesy vibe Righteous Continental embraces is effective and potent. Their live show is engaging and driving. A must see whenever you can.

The night was a total success and I got to hear some much needed live music.

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