Cornmeal

Soule Monde (SOlay MON-day) is the duo of organist Ray Paczkowski and drummer Russ Lawton, both longtime members of the Trey Anastasio Band, among other venerated Vermont groups. The eight tracks on this eponymous debut were born of jam sessions performed throughout New England and take the names of influential musicians and/or the surrounding environment. This is free-form jazz and groovy, organ-based funk, most akin to the sounds of Medeski Martin & Wood. Opener, “Bernard” is a toe-tapping, soul shifter that will lift you from your doldrums and get your booty shaking. “Bootsy Bonham” highlights the Hammond as a lead instrument while a thumping, steady beat holds time. “Slide B,” named after a bar in rural Vermont, features the low-end bass rhythms played through Paczkowski’s Hammond.