Event

SOULE MONDE

Soule Monde is a deep funk avant outfit that features Russ Lawton and Ray Paczkowski. The duo draws notably from their decade plus of touring and recording with Phish front man's Trey Anastasio Band, and while the pair has been compared to The Benevento/Russo Duo or a twoman Medeski, Martin + Wood, Soule Monde stake out their own turf. Paczkowskis bass lines provide a solid basis for Lawtons energetic rhythms. There is a narrative quality to their tunes Lawton provides reactive, always in the pocket drums and Paczkowski unearths moves previously only foreshadowed in his work as a sideman, demonstrating a thorough understanding of players like Jimmy McGriff, Art Neville, and Herbie Hancock. Grammynominated Lawtons beats and fills push melodies along a tightrope. Theres nothing thrown together haphazard or indulgent about this band. They are dressed down impresarios, seeming at times to be of one mind, pushing the limits of the traditional "jazz duo" or "jam band" to include tones of deep improvisational funk and alternative jazz. Ray and Russ have been touring and recording with TAB since 1998 and 2001 respectively, and their collaborations include releases with Carlos Santana, Live at Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and appearances on late night shows fromSaturday Night Live, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Jimmy Fallon, and Conan O'Brien. Russ Lawton is credited with cowriting the Grammy nominated song "First Tube" which appeared on Phish's 2000 album Farmhouse, and Ray Paczkowski toured and recorded with Dave Matthews & Friends. Soule Monde members have shared the stage with Trey Anastasio, Dave Matthews, Victor Wooten, Mike Gordon, Rolling Stones, Carlos Santana, Zzebra, Viperhouse, & Strangefolk.