Creation happens when like-minded musicians get together and set themselves loose to wander. Certain venues just happen to benefit from a spiritual lift that can help add a little zest to improvisation. Nectar’s in Burlington, Vermont — where Phish played regularly in its early years — is that kind of place.
Still going strong, Nectar’s attracts creative and confident players who don’t just want to redo the same old songs but can thrive in the moment and will take risks to find something new.
LaMP was born there in this very manner back in 2018, when drummer Russ Lawton, guitarist Scott Metzger, and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski rolled into the storied bar and coalesced before the eyes of an intimate audience lucky enough to be on hand.
Though busy schedules only allow it so often, the trio today takes the same approach to its live engagements as a touring act.
On August 21, a giddy crowd at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis experienced the extemporaneous plunge that is a night with LaMP by way of a blazing set showcasing the instrumental tunes recorded to the group’s lone record, 2020’s self-titled release on Royal Potato Family.
Listen to LaMP’s 2020 self-title studio album via Spotify:
Respected far and wide, these three gentlemen each have their own incredible resume. Lawton and Paczkowski — longtime staples on the Green Mountain State music scene — perform and record together as Soule Monde, but they also have been the backbone of the Trey Anastasio Band and other solo efforts by the Phish guitarist for more than 20 years.
Metzger meanwhile has worked with a long list of artists, from John Mayer to Branford Marsalis. He’s in the Brooklyn-based trio WOLF! alongside bassist Jon Shaw and drummer Taylor Floreth; he’s been a past touring member of Circles Around the Sun and is to this day a full-time member of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead.
Even if its members can join forces only occasionally, LaMP packs a serious punch. Many of those in the room recently got up to groove and shake out of necessity. The scorching music produced a rare sight within the West Street venue, as ticketholders bopped in the limited space they had.
No matter their viewing angle, patrons marveled at LaMP in full swing — a winsome pack of fellows who will continue to impress with each night spent together.
Below are hand-wound, home (kitchen)-developed 35mm photos of LaMP performing at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis the night of August 21, 2024. All images copyright and courtesy of Casey Ryan Vock.
