LaMP (Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski)

On a magical night at Nectar’s in Burlington, VT in Dec of 2018, three musical masters (Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger & Ray Paczkowski) came together with alchemical synthesis, and created a fresh so-tight-it's-free sound, packed with technical prowess and a deep-pocket punch. The packed house fortunate enough to be in attendance that night witnessed the birth of something very special.

The following spring, the trio took the name LaMP by combining the first letters of each members’ surname, and reconvened back in VT at Sugarhouse Soundworks for an intense recording session with Roger Stauss to lay down tracks that would become their eponymous debut EP.

“We wrote everything via the internet. We figured out telecommuting and working from home before it was fashionable [laughs]. We’d usually start with Russ sending around a drumbeat he was working on, then Ray and I would put down ideas and we’d send them back and forth, editing everything as we went along. When we finally found some time to record, I drove up to Vermont, we took a day to flush everything out and rehearse, then spent two days recording." – Scott Metzger

Metzger, known as “…an ace guitarist of a thousand styles.” (Village Voice) and a full-time member of the critically acclaimed Joe Russo’s Almost Dead tested the decades-strong synergy of Ray & Russ forged from their time playing with Trey Anastasio Band and their duo project Soule Monde. The result was seven tracks crackling with energy and soul. The melodic & harmonic interplay between Paczkowski’s swirling organ and clavinet dancing with Metzger’s acrobatic melodies on telecaster, driven by Russ “It’s all about the rudiments.” Lawton’s unflappable backbeat produced a record that will stand the test of time.

About Jack Stepanian:

Jack Stepanian is a singer/songwriter and guitarist hailing from Richmond, Virginia. Jack’s sound merges blues and rock guitar playing with lyrical storytelling that resonates with a broad audience. Beginning his musical journey in childhood performances, Jack has continued to refine his skills by collaborating with various musical groups within the Charlottesville, VA music scene, where he currently attends UVA. 

As a solo artist, Jack’s band is composed of talented local musicians from Richmond and Charlottesville. He frequents local Virginia venues, performing whenever he can. Jack’s eagerly awaited debut EP is in its final stages of production and is poised for release on all major platforms in the near future.