About this episode
On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we're joined by New York City-based guitarist and composer Vilray Bolles. Alongside Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive, he's one half of Rachael & Vilray, a duo with an uncanny knack for writing brand new songs that feel like they came straight from Tin Pan Alley. On their latest release, West of Broadway , the duo was inspired by both classic musicals and West Coast jazz. They even roped in Stephen Colbert for a cameo on the album. During our chat, we talk about Vilray's love for jazz, his days of busking (and the downside of cell reception at subway terminals), meeting Rachael at Boston's New England Conservatory of Music, how they recorded West of Broadway and so much more. Bonus: Watch Vilray perform "Forever Never Lasts" from West of Broadway on our Fretboard Journal YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/oL85JbQXV6c https://rachaelandvilray.com Our new, 57th issue of the Fretboard Journal is now mailing. Subscribe here to get it. Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).