Talks & Entertainment

A collaboration between Lake Street Dive vocalist Rachael Price and guitarist, singer, and composer Vilray, Rachael & Vilray’s self-titled debut album feels like a rare old vinyl gem that a curious collector found hidden in the dusty bins of some second-hand record shop, an unearthed jazz-vocal treasure.

The duo first met in 2003 as students at the New England Conservatory of Music, but didn’t collaborate until more than a decade later when they realized their shared love for 1930s and 40s-era jazz.

Their album is a dreamy, warm, inviting set from two good friends who share a unique sensibility as well as a mic. Featuring guest pianist Jon Batiste, Rachael & Vilray is all about the playful vocal back and forth between Price and Vilray, with tempos that facilitate dancing cheek to cheek and lyrics that are sophisticated but never arch. With the record, the duo adds a new chapter to the American songbook, an opportunity to hear tomorrow’s standards today.