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. While Lawton has played alongside Vermont staples like Mike Gordon, Strangefolk, and The Grippo Funk Band, Paczkowski’s early acts Viperhouse and Vorcza gained notoriety in the 1990s, and he (Ray) toured with Dave Matthews and Friends for 3 years in the early 2000s. Notably, both members of Soule Monde have been in the Trey Anastasio Band (TAB) for more than 20 years. Additionally, Russ and Ray have made appearances at Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Saturday Night Live, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon.