Vilray
Vilray
Vilray Blair Bolles (born in Brooklyn, New York) is an American jazz guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as one half of the duo Rachael & Vilray, alongside vocalist Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive. Critics say their music evokes 1930s–40s swing and traditional pop while feeling fresh.[1][2]
Early life and education
Vilray grew up in Brooklyn and studied jazz composition at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he met Rachael Price.[3] After briefly leaving music and working in accounting, he returned to performance, including years busking in the New York subway.[4]
Career
Rachael & Vilray
Vilray reunited with Price in 2015 to form Rachael & Vilray. They are known for performing into a single vintage-style microphone and playful stage banter.[5] Their debut album, Rachael & Vilray (2019), features ten original songs and guest musician Jon Batiste.[2] Their second album, I Love a Love Song! (2023), again featured Vilray’s compositions and carried forward the torch-song tradition.[3] The third album, West of Broadway (2025, Concord Jazz), was described by JazzTimes as “sophisti-sonic” Broadway-inspired with cool jazz textures.[6] The duo has performed internationally, including concerts at Café Carlyle and a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.[6][7]
Solo work
Vilray is also a solo performer. His songwriting draws on Tin Pan Alley traditions and early-20th-century jazz standards.[3]
Musical style
Critics describe Vilray’s music as swing and traditional pop rooted in 1930s–40s craftsmanship yet presented playfully. His work has been called “as cozy as it is sophisticated.”[1]
Discography
With Rachael & Vilray
- Rachael & Vilray (2019, Nonesuch Records)
- I Love a Love Song! (2023, Nonesuch Records)
- West of Broadway (2025, Concord Jazz)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Briger, Sam (2020-02-18). "Rachael & Vilray Share A Mic — And A Love Of Old Swing Standards". WYPR. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Woronzoff, Elisabeth (2019-12-02). "Rachael & Vilray Update Swing-Era Music on Their Debut". PopMatters. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Scherman, Tony (2023-03-08). "Rachael and Vilray: Carrying a Torch". Stereophile. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ↑ Aaron, Peter (2018-01-01). "An Interview with Rachael & Vilray". Chronogram Magazine. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ↑ Clark, Roger (2025-08-05). "Brooklyn jazz duo's new album evokes feel of the city". NY1. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Amorosi, A.D. (2025-08-11). "At 42nd and Wilshire: Rachael & Vilray's Cool Cali Jazz Celebration of Stagey NYC Musicals". JazzTimes. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ↑ Russo, Bryan (2025-08-06). "Album of the Week: Rachael and Vilray's "West of Broadway"". Delmarva Public Media. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
External links
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