Soule Monde

Soule Monde is an instrumental duo built around two of the most seasoned rhythm players on the American jam scene: drummer Russ Lawton and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, longtime bandmates in Trey Anastasio Band. In February 2021, in the wake of Trey Anastasio’s ‘leader Jams’ sessions in New York, the pair invited guitarist Ari Joshua to Burlington, Vermont, where the trio recorded more than 25 songs of original material at Tank Recording Company under longtime Phish engineer Ben Collette.

That Burlington session underscored the duo’s reputation as first-call collaborators. Lawton and Paczkowski’s chemistry has made them trusted players in projects spanning New England’s tight-knit musician community, including the R.A.a.R lineup (Ray, Ari, and Russ), which debuted live during Halloween weekend in 2021 in Las Vegas. Singles such as ‘Father Time’, ‘Star Lord’, and ‘Rae of Light’ were released through Music Factory Records, with an EP premiering via Relix Magazine.

Their reach extends across respected touring acts: Soule Monde has shared stages alongside national touring rock bands, appearing on bills with groups such as Blues Traveler and Los Lobos, a reflection of the credibility both players carry from years on the road. Grounded in deep groove, organ-driven funk, and improvisational interplay, the duo’s sound draws on the rich soul and R&B traditions that define their live sets.

Today, Soule Monde continues to perform and record, bringing decades of collective stage experience to every appearance.