You probably know Rachael Price’s captivating voice from her band Lake Street Dive. She comes from a longline of musicians and performers, she is the granddaughter of Hollywood actor John Shelton and the daughter of composer and conductor Tom Price. She was born in Australia but grew up just a stone throw away from Nashville in Hendersonville, TN.
Price showcases a different side of herself and her style in Rachael & Vilray, a jazz duo. They met at the New England Conservatory where they both attended in 2003. They stayed in touch as Price rose to fame with Lake Street Dive. Meanwhile Vilray returned home to Brooklyn, where he frequently practiced and made money as a subway busker.
They released their self-titled debut album in 2019 showcased their close harmonies and clever songwriting. The twelve-song album features ten originals by Vilray, along with two covers from the era that inspired them. Their music draws inspiration from jazz and Tin Pan Alley pop of the 1930s and 1940s. There’s a timeless quality to their original music, this kind of jazz really reminds me of the holidays.
The two started as an acoustic duo with a set of musical standards. Their new album ‘I Love A Love Song!’ features a 9-piece formation and 11 new songs. Ask your grandparents if they recall acts such as Merry Macs, the Pied Pipers, and Les Paul & Mary Ford.
The album opens up with Any Little Words Vilray’s voice front and center as the main attraction in. The title is an example of a tongue twister being used to someone’s advantage. It begins playful and fun and has a melody that sounds steady like a tide.
For the next song ‘Even In The Evenin’ you might want to break out a couple wine glasses. It’s a song that is perfect for a dance after a night at dinner with a sweetheart.
Is A Good Man Real wakes the listener back up from a trance with a humorous, cynical song. It sounds like it was written after a string of unsuccessful dates, she’s curious about what else is out there. Sounds like she’s not too impressed by the men she’s met and even the ones she hasn’t. A kind man who’ll make you dinner and remember to listen might as well be fictional.
Just Two is an example of how perfectly Rachel and Vilray are able to harmonize and duet with each other. They sound like they’re singing to each other in this beautiful duet.
Why Do I is a quirky song that features all kinds of “critters” and characters. It paints the scene of a happy meadow straight from a Disney movie. A love song for all walks of life.
I’m Not Ready really highlights a live recording of the orchestra that “Jacob Zimmerman dreamed up for us”. There aren’t very many lyrics for this one, so you can really focus in on the band moved from far away.
Join Me in A Dream this song attempts to lull the listener to sleep. It features a B3 organ that dances across the song.
Hate is The Basis (of Love) is another example of a fun and quirky song. The duo sing clever quips about how being in love with someone will get you to put up with things you hate.
A Love Song, Played Slow seems to be an instrumental until Vilray sings out a handful of lyrics, including the title of the album.
Just Me This Year, this is the closest you’ll get to a break up song on this album. The theme is about someone who’s been broken up with just before Christmas. There are a handful of lyrics that will key you into the time of year she’s referring to. They did release this song as a single just before the holidays this year. It should go on a Christmas classics album by next year.
I’ve Drawn Your Face the melody is so carefully crafted for this song. It sounds as if the melody was written after the words. Each lyric is articulated and performed with personality.
The album closes out with I Love A Love Song! where Racheal begins with “goodnight my love”. This song dates back to 1936. “It’s one of a handful of songs that first brought me into contact with the American tradition of love songs that occupies so much space in my head and heart to this day” says Vilray. The piano floats right under her voice as her partner for this song. Larry Goldings playing acts as a third voice in the song, it adds another personality into the mix.
The duo uses swing, blues, rock and jazz standards as inspiration. If it’s possible to add to the Great American Songbook, Rachael & Vilray are on it. This album is a mix of swing music, crooners and movie scores. It’s a beautiful and dynamic album that’s perfect to set the scene for a romantic candle lit dinner on a cold night.
Follow the duo on Instagram.
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