I Love a Love Song!

by Rachael & Vilray

Overview

Harking back to the jazz of the 1940s and '50s, Rachael & Vilray's sophomore album, 2023's I Love a Love Song!, is a delightfully romantic and swinging homage to the golden era of traditional pop. Showcasing the talents of singer Rachael Price and singer/guitarist/songwriter Vilray Blair Bolles, Rachael & Vilray initially met while students at Boston's New England Conservatory before reconnecting around 2015 over their shared love of jazz standards and Tin Pan Alley pop. Although they've performed classic standards together (here, they take on Mack Gordon and Harry Revel's "Goodnight, My Love"), it's their knack for crafting their own swooning, literate songs in the traditional style of composers like Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer that makes their work so uniquely compelling. It's a vibe they debuted on 2019's Rachael & Vilray and which they further perfect here. Even if their songs weren't so good (and they are) Price and Bolles can sing the heck out of a tune. Although best known for her funk-infused pop with Lake Street Dive, Price is a trained jazz singer whose dusky style evokes the cool, West Coast sound of icons like June Christy and Peggy Lee. Equally evocative, Bolles' warm, matter of fact tone brings to mind a relaxing blend of Dean Martin and Perry Como. They take turns leading songs throughout the album, often trading choruses, or as on the magical, Count Basie-esque "Just Two," sing in close harmony a la vocal groups like the Modernaires. Other notable songs full of wry, melodic wordplay pop up throughout, as on Bolles' "Why Do I" in which Price compares her relationship woes to the animal world, singing "clams to my knowledge don't sigh/and moths ain't left wondering why/each time their fellow flies out, they needn't weep their eyes out/so why do I?" Also adding to the air of stylistic legitimacy are the duo's stellar backing ensemble featuring pianist Larry Goldings, bassist David Piltch, and drummer Joe La Barbera. Also joining them again is saxophonist/arranger Jacob Zimmerman and his horn section, all of which add to the old-school nightclub vibes Rachael & Vilray are going for. ~ Matt Collar

Product Details

Release Date:	01/13/2023
Label:	Nonesuch
UPC:	0075597909753

Tracks

1. Any Little Time
2. Even in the Evenin'
3. Is a Good Man Real?
4. Just Two
5. Why Do I?
6. I'm Not Ready
7. Join Me in a Dream
8. Hate is the Basis (Of Love)
9. A Love Song, Played Slow
10. Just Me This Year
11. I've Drawn Your Face
12. Goodnight My Love

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Rachael & Vilray   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Larry Goldings   Organ,Piano,Celeste,Featured Artist
David Piltch   Bass,Featured Artist
Joey Sellers   Trombone,Featured Artist
Joe La Barbera   Drums,Featured Artist
Dan Barrett   Trumpet,Trombone,Featured Artist
Nate Ketner   Clarinet,Sax (Tenor),Featured Artist
Rachael Price   Vocals
Jim Ziegler   Trumpet,Featured Artist
Jacob Zimmerman   Clarinet,Sax (Alto),Featured Artist
Vilray   Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Greg Calbi   Mastering,Mastering Engineer
Mack Gordon   Composer,Lyricist
Steve Fallone   Mastering,Mastering Engineer
Harry Revel   Composer
Rouble Kapoor   Assistant Engineer
Dan Knobler   Mixing,Engineer,Producer,Live Recording,Mixing Engineer
Jacob Zimmerman   Arranger,Horn Arrangements
Taylor Ashton   Design
Jonno Rattman   Photography
Rachael & Vilray   Composer
Vilray   Composer,Liner Notes