Draft:Vilray
| Submission declined on 20 October 2025 by Nil NZ (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia.
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| Submission declined on 27 August 2025 by RangersRus (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of music-related topics). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. Declined by RangersRus 2 months ago. | |
Comment: All of the article's references are about "Rachael and Vilray", which makes it difficult to establish the notability of Vilray independent to the duo.On Wikipedia, we don't consider notability to be inheritable – just because the duo is notable, doesn't automatically mean it's individual members are.My suggestion would be to rewrite the draft into an article about the duo. Nil🥝 03:47, 20 October 2025 (UTC)
Vilray
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]Rachael & Vilray
[edit]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
[edit]Vilray is also a solo performer. His songwriting draws on Tin Pan Alley traditions and early-20th-century jazz standards.[3]
Musical style
[edit]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
[edit]With Rachael & Vilray
- Rachael & Vilray (2019, Nonesuch Records)
- I Love a Love Song! (2023, Nonesuch Records)
- West of Broadway (2025, Concord Jazz)
References
[edit]- ^ a b Briger, Sam (2020-02-18). "Rachael & Vilray Share A Mic — And A Love Of Old Swing Standards". WYPR. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ a b Woronzoff, Elisabeth (2019-12-02). "Rachael & Vilray Update Swing-Era Music on Their Debut". PopMatters. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ a b 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.