The music industry has evolved over time, leading to the decline of long-play albums and live albums as an art form. However, musicians Ray Paczkowski, Russ Lawton, and Scott Metzger have come together to form LaMP, a band that thrives on live interplay and improvisation. Their new double live album, Live at Nectar’s, taken from a series of shows in 2023, showcases their chemistry and dedication to in-the-moment music. The trio’s connection allows them to create music that goes beyond traditional songwriting and focuses on improvisation.

LaMP’s music is a blend of skillful guitar playing, groove drumming, and dual Clavinet and Hammond B3 attack. Despite initial concerns about finding his space in the band, Metzger seamlessly integrated with Paczkowski and Lawton. The band’s dedication to live performance led them to record the album at Nectar’s, a venue they have played at numerous times over the years.

Although the band members were initially unsure about the recordings from the first night, they found that the music captured the essence of their spontaneous performances. Planning to record a studio album in the summer, LaMP remains focused on their live shows, where they can freely explore the boundaries of jazz and improvisational music. The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival hosted the band for a two-night stand to celebrate the release of their new album, highlighting their deep connection and commitment to creating unique musical experiences.