Rawson: Press

I went to NY to see Prince play to a SOLD OUT Madison Square Garden Dec. 18, 2010. I found out that RAWSON was performing the same weekend, so it was a great opportunity to finally check them out LIVE!
I first heard about RAWSON online about a year ago and after hearing a few of their songs, I was hooked! RAWSON is Sean Haythe (Lead Vocals & Guitar), Jimi Sharp (Lead Guitar), Edwin Alvarado (Bass), Greg "G" Norwood (Drums), and Angie Pimentel (Background Vocals).
RAWSON performed at the intimate P & G Lounge, 380 Columbus Ave @ 78th St. in NYC Sunday night at midnight (technically Dec. 20). Brick walls, small round tables, and cozy booths surrounded the stage with what appeared to be a mixture of Rawson Fans and Friends, along with other folks in town for the Prince concert the night before.
The band opened with Everyday, an upbeat feel-good song that warmed everyone up on a cold winter's night! The energy was HIGH right from the beginning, so I knew I was in for a good show! The vibe was friendly and they were making jokes and giving us out-of-towners shout-outs in between songs. They slid right into Save Yourself, a mid-tempo groove that got people dancing in their seats.
When they ripped into Miss You (by the Rolling Stones), the place went crazy! I haven't been to NY in 5 yrs, so it was surreal to hear that song LIVE in NY because that song has always reminded me of the city..."I've been walking Central Park, signing after dark, people think I'm craaazy". Most everyone was singing along to every word, but when they got to the hook, everyone got into it - "Doo doo dooo doo doo, Doo doo dooo doo doo, Doo doo doo doo", it was so FUNKY! And then, all of a sudden, the band flipped it and did a Guitar-heavy ending which was SUPERHOT!!!
The next song, See It In Your Eyes is one of my faves, a very sexy love song with a retro vibe. The next song was Dead Man Walking and it is not for the weak at heart! It's for the hard-core lovers of Soulful Rock!
Sean mentioned before the start of the next song that I'm Gonna Show You was inspired by his mother, a very moving song with heartfelt lyrics, yet upbeat and danceable. I could tell the crowd was feeling it as much as I was.
Next was Never Take Me Alive, a passionate Guitar-heavy song that truly showcases how ROCK SOLID and wicked talented this band is!
The 2nd to last song of the show, Don't Pass Me By, a high-energy joint that definitely makes you get your dance on! It happens to be the 1st song off their current CD, "RAWSON" - available now on CDBaby www.cdbaby.com/cd/rawson2 and on iTunes.
The last song of the night was KISS, so U KNOW that was mos definitely a GIFT to us Prince Freaks! ;)
RAWSON is a Soul-Rockin-Electro-Funkin' band that anyone who loves REAL music by REAL musicians would enjoy, so DON'T SLEEP cuz they RAW! SON!

Rawson’s parlor trick is a time warp. A gritty psychedelic soul funk envelopes Sean Rawson’s alternately rasping and soaring vocal while he takes charge of a big rock show reminiscent of early 70s soul funk. The slow R&B numbers smolder seductively without sacrificing melody or the relentless groove. This fresh yet timeless sound has already gained the band an enthusiastic local following and luckily, there’s plenty of time to get in on the ground floor!

Through the Looking Glass keeps their heady art rock on home turf for this Showcase. . An interesting blend of indie guitar tones dovetail well into the clear vocal delivery and straight rock rhythm. Until they change time signatures, which they do with apparent ease. Get on your toes and stay there for TTLG.

Silversyde is coming back for more love from the Utica crowds. Their catchy power-pop surges to the forefront and makes the slower moments all the more intense. There is darkness but also hope and light in Silversyde’s music; beauty and gravel. They want you to know them, and they are singing and playing out their souls in the hope that it resonates.

Three bands makes this showcase an extra bonus! Come get your UMAF fix with Rawson, Through the Looking Glass, and Silversyde. Help get the word out!
Written by: Melissa Walker

The music on this record has a very positive message, very upbeat which is refreshing to hear on an album. Just listening to this album from start to finish made me feel good. The song Everyday right off the bat get's you going.

Song: I'm Gonna Show You
Words & Music: Sean Haythe
*This group is really solid. They are overall really energetic, soulful and I would bet they are amazing live.
*Rawson is on track. Funky, powerful and respectable lyrics. Nice blues vibe. The guitar solo and a solid message are the highlights.

"Rawson takes you on a musical ride you don't want to get off."

(Rawson) can quote (me) on this. Rawson is definitely doing their thing. We're playing the new Rawson cd!

RAWSON is at #3 for the 2nd week at WRKC in Wilkes Barre PA!