Soule Monde is avant funk erupting from the syncopated minds of power

drummer Russ Lawton + B3 wizard Ray Paczkowski. An ideal union of

swagger and raw talent, the duo is cemented into an indestructible pocket,

where bold improvisational leaps by either player are met by a near-telepathic

response from the other. This is fluid funk, crafted for the dance floor but

supported by an extensive grasp of jazz improvisation.

 

Paczkowski has an intrepid knowledge of the Hammond B3, playing it as

fearlessly as Han Solo flies the Millennium Falcon through an asteroid field,

while his left hand lays down bass lines on the clavinet with the ferocity of the

meanest four-string, soul-cat.

 

Lawton is constantly responding to his partner’s attacks – pushing the groove

further and deeper while holding the pocket like he’s handcuffed to the snare.

Don’t expect the beat to drop with Soule Monde, and at the same time don’t

expect to get stuck in one groove. Quite simply, this is the jazz-duo your

parents warned you about.

 

Russ Lawton has been a staple of the Vermont music scene for years. He’s

collaborated with a vast array of VT acts, including Mike Gordon, The Grippo

Funk Band, and Strangefolk, and has been touring and recording with T.A.B.

since 1998. He’s credited with co-writing the Grammy-nominated song “First

Tube” which appeared on Phish’s 2000 album, Farmhouse.

 

Ray Paczkowski has been involved with a number of lauded acts over the

years, first gaining recognition in the mid 90’s as a member of the legendary

Vermont act, Viperhouse, and later on with his power trio, Vorcza. He toured

and recorded with Dave Matthews & Friends for 3 years, and has been the

keyboardist for T.A.B. since 2001.

 

Members of Soule Monde have appeared at Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, on

Saturday Night Live, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien and Jimmy

Fallon, and have shared the stage with Carlos Santana, Rolling Stones, Trey

Anastasio, Dave Matthews, Victor Wooten, Mike Gordon, Viperhouse +

Strangefolk.