Friday Night YouTube Music #1

Sharing my eclectic taste in music

I’m cribbing the idea of a Friday Night Music post from Paul Krugman, the Nobel Prize-winning economist and New York Times columnist. Between 2011 and 2018, on Fridays, he would often post a short piece and a video about a band or an artist he’d discovered. It was through these I was made aware of many amazing, not-so-mainstream artists such as Sarah Jarosz and the Alabama Shakes. Like Dr. Krugman, my intent is to share a broad range of music from different genres and different eras.

This first offering is 2 songs by Lake Street Dive, one featuring the original lineup and another by the current ensemble. The band came together in 2004 when they were students at the New England Conservatory of Music. The quartet- Rachael Price (lead vocals), Mike Olsen (trumpet, guitar, vocals) Bridget Kearny (upright bass, vocals), and Mike Calabrese (drum, vocals)- developed a unique style that showcases Price’s vocal talents, sparse instrumentation, and a cushion of lush harmony vocals. They built a following by touring. Early on, they performed mostly covers, but gradually transitioned into doing their own material.

“Mistakes” is a wonderful example of their unique sound.

In 2017, LSD added keyboardist Akie Bermiss. After Mike Olsen left the band last year, he was replaced by guitarist James Cornelison. Their cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “Nick of Time” displays the group’s vocal chops and their strong rhythmic groove.

You’ll find more Lake Street Dive videos on YouTube. You will also find Rachael Price performances with a number of other artists, including in the duo Rachael and Vilroy which specializes in jazz, pop, and Tin Pan Alley songs from the 1930s and '40s. She is one of the great contemporary singers.

Enjoy!

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