Soule Monde is the premier avant funk duo, erupting from the syncopated minds of power drummer Russ Lawton and 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!

The duo are set to release a new album, Must Be Nice, on March 3rd via Ropeadope Records, bringing eight infectious new grooves together for the upcoming release. Lawton tells us more about what to expect. “The new Soule Monde album Must Be Nice digs deeper into the pool of rhythms and melody. Still drawing from the funk and also the rhythms Russ played with his time in the Afro Beat band Zzebra. Ray and Russ mash it all together Soule Monde style with that great chemistry they have for writing as a band. Always boiling it down to some unique songs for your body, mind and soul. It’s been said before, but Must Be Nice will take you on a musical journey.”

We’re excited to get that journey started with “Rocket,” a leading single from the new album. Listen in below!

You can also watch the new, official music video, streaming below.

Don’t miss Soule Monde on tour, and don’t sleep on their new album! Keep tabs on the band’s doings on their official website, and see their full tour schedule and album tracklisting below.

Soule Monde Tour Dates

3/2 Newport, RI – The Cafe at Parlor Newport
3/3 New York, NY – DROM
3/4 Boston, MA – Thunder Road
3/11 Foam Brewery – Burlington, VT
3/16 Warren, VT – Hostel
3/17 Washington, DC – The Hamilton
3/18 Plains, PA – River Street Jazz Cafe
3/30 Warren, VT – Slide Brook
3/31 Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live (Upstairs)

Must Be Nice Tracklisting

1. Immigrant Too
2. Rocket
3. Take My Hand
4. Compared To Jody
5. Kota
6. Mina
7. Took You Long Enough
8. Influence
Recorded at Lovetown