Bands
Soule Monde
Soule Monde is avant funk born of the syncopated minds of power drummer Russ Lawton and organ wizard Ray Paczkowski. The “duo” is cemented into an indestructible unit, where bold improvisational leaps are interpreted telepathically and reciprocated effortlessly. Paczkowski has an intrepid ability to simultaneously tame the Hammond B3 and clavinet, filling Soule Monde’s sound with beautiful and dynamic melodies. Lawton is the consummate ‘pocket’ drummer, driving the groove further without ever losing a step, or Ray. This is the jazz-duo your parents warned you about.
Their pedigree speaks for itself, much like Russ and Ray’s music.
Trey Anastasio Band
Since 1998, Trey Anastasio has toured and recorded with several backup musicians, including several side-projects organized and led by the guitarist and composer. While active, his bands did not have a name. Fans commonly referred to them as Trey Anastasio Band, or TAB for short. Through its brief history, Trey Anastasio’s band continued to add members, starting as a trio and ending as a octet. The current lineup features drummer Russ Lawton, bassist Tony Markellis, and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, percussionist Cyro Baptista, augmented by a full horn section, including trombonist/vocalist Natalie Cressman, multi-instrumentalist James Casey, and longtime TAB trumpeter/vocalist Jennifer Hartswick.
LaMP
LaMP is a supergroup featuring Scott Metzger (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead) alongside Russ Lawton and Ray Paczkowski. They released a self-titled, debut EP in 2020. This collection of instrumental tunes was actually recorded on May 7th and 8th, 2019 at Sugarhouse Soundworks in Waitsfield, VT. The seven-song EP features Metzger on guitar, Paczkowski on organ, and Lawton on drums. With a condensed three-piece lineup, each member is able to shine without eclipsing each other. That, in addition to first-rate musicianship, allows for perfect balance on LaMP. The project did not drop out of the clear blue sky, as some may remember the trio’s debut concert at Nectar‘s in Burlington back in December, 2018. LaMP also released the first single from the album, “Some Days”, in April of this year.