Russ Lawton

Russ Lawton grew up in the Boston area where he began drumming professionally,and studying with Gene Roma. Early in his career, Russ toured with the Afro-fusion band Zzebra, formed by Osibisa’s Nigerian-born percussionist Lofty Amao. He currently tours and records with a variety of musicians including Phish’s Trey Anastasio. Collaborating with Trey includes co-writing songs from Phish’s “Farmhouse” CD (featuring the Grammy-nominated song First Tube), Trey’s first solo CD, the live “Plasma” CD, and “Live at the Warfield Theatre” DVD with Trey and Carlos Santana, as well as his two latest releases “The Horseshoe Curve” and  “Tab At The Tab Live” in Atlanta.

Russ’s current television appearance can be seen on PBS’s Austin City Limits with Trey Anastasio. Past TV performances have been on Late Night with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Conan O’Brien Show and The Carson Daly Show.

Russ also tours with the band Strangefolk. When not with Trey or Strangefolk, Russ plays with a variety of other musicians which repertoire includes blues, funk, country and rock. In between gigs, Russ keeps busy with his drum students and various studio dates.

Other notable work includes the music for the independent movies “Mud Season”, Mike Gordon’s “Outside Out” and the L.A. movie “Left Hand Path.”