Overview: Ray Paczkowski on WPKN's Organic Radio Show

Date: April 4, 2024

Station: WPKN 89.5 FM (Bridgeport, CT)

Host: Bill Cosentino (Organic Radio)

Guest: Ray Paczkowski (Keyboardist / Organist — Trey Anastasio Band, LaMP, Soule Monde)

Summary Takeaway

The interview offers an inside look at one of the jam scene's most distinctive keyboardists. Paczkowski highlights how spontaneous composition and deep group chemistry fuel LaMP's signature sound, offering listeners of WPKN's independent, non-commercial Organic Radio a detailed glimpse into the craft of live improvisation. Features Live Tracks Out of Curiosity and Mimi Digs It from LaMP: Live at Nectar's on Royal Potato Family Records.

Key Discussion Themes

1. LaMP & The Dynamic of the Trio

• Interplay & Groove: Paczkowski discusses the creative alchemy behind LaMP—his trio alongside drummer Russ Lawton (Trey Anastasio Band) and guitarist Scott Metzger (Joe Russo's Almost Dead).
• Musical Communication: Insights into how the group blends jazz-adjacent improvisation, funk, and rock without a dedicated bass player, relying on Paczkowski’s organ basslines, clavinet textures, and Lawton’s rhythmic foundation.
• Live Performance & Touring: Previewing spring 2024 live dates and the chemistry built from playing intimate venue runs (such as Nectar's in Burlington, VT).

2. Gear & The Signature Sound

• The Hammond B3 & Clavinet: Ray touches on his go-to setups, including the Hammond organ, Hohner Clavinet, and Wurlitzer electric piano.
• Tone & Technique: How he approaches sonic space, vintage gear maintenance, and balancing rhythmic vamps with melodic solos.

3. Collaborations & Career Highlights

• Trey Anastasio Band (TAB) & Soule Monde: Reflecting on decades of collaboration with Trey Anastasio and his duo work with Russ Lawton in Soule Monde.
• The Vermont Music Scene: The influence of Burlington's vibrant community on his growth as a musician.

4. Musical Philosophy & Improvisation

• The "Vibe Over Genre" Mindset: Discussing his influences ranging from Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk to funk and soul.
• Listening in Real Time: The importance of reaction, trust, and spontaneity when jamming on stage.