It's a very special happy hour! We're continuing our alphabetic sojourn through the world of cocktails with a bespoke libation: the Duchess, created especially for us by the Jazz Standard's master mixologist (and erstwhile jazz guitaris

“Feel the burn!” Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer rocks our wine world

Jun 11th, 2018 53m 16s

We are joined by Master Sommelier, drummer, Toto super-fan, and Hilary's erstwhile coworker, Fred Dexheimer for a funny, far-reaching chat about all things Bacchic. Being happy tipplers ourselves, we loved Fred's riffing on the many parallels b

“I’ll do my best to free them, but first I want to see them,” with guest Kate McGarry

May 21st, 2018 42m 26s

We are joined by Grammy-nominated songwriter, singer, and educator Kate McGarry for a far-reaching conversation about carrying the weight of our ancestors, being present and generous onstage, creating community, and much more (including sitting

“Malleability, focus, and…fun!” with guest Laila Biali

May 14th, 2018 35m 53s

Juno-nominated singer, pianist, songwriter, and radio host Laila Biali chats with us backstage at Birdland before her recent NYC show promoting her new self-titled album. Tune in to hear how a classically trained kid from Vancouver wound up gig

“I’d be nowhere without my friends,” with guest Catherine Russell

Apr 23rd, 2018 1h 11m

Get ready for a master class on singing and life with Grammy-winning vocalist (and all-around beautiful and wise human being) Catherine Russell. Cat has shared the stage with David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, and Steely Dan (to name but a few) and, wi

"Always being the cute little kid is not good for you," with guest Nat Wolff

Apr 10th, 2018 47m 43s

We're going to Hollywood! We chat with singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, erstwhile standup comic, and (oh, yeah!) MOVIE STAR Nat Wolff about his childhood music lessons with Duchess's very own Amy Cervini, what it was like growing up

“Laughing and crying, you know it’s the same release,” with guest Jessica Molaskey

Apr 2nd, 2018 40m 17s

We sit down with singer, actor, radio host, painter, and urbane woman-about-town Jessica Molaskey. In our chat, Jessica shares her lifelong love of Joni Mitchell and Stephen Sondheim, the joys of genre-hopping, and the fine art of trusting one’

Winter Blues

Mar 26th, 2018 20m 12s

The Duchess gals discuss winter, winter blues and how to avoid them.

"Going Home" - Laughing at Life Track by Track!

Mar 12th, 2018 17m 8s

In this week’s episode we discuss a vinyl-only bonus track “Going Home,” Hebrew "R" sound pronunciation, and Dvorak's "From The New World" symphony. Also included is a seldom-heard English Horn imitation by our arranger/producer Oded Lev-Ari.

He leaves us breathless...with guest John Dokes

Mar 5th, 2018 43m 58s

We sit down for a long-anticipated chat with one of our favorite people and vocalists, Mr. John Dokes. In true Clark Kent fashion, John is a high-powered business executive by day (after a stint as a marketing exec and comic book creator at Mar

"That dried-out Kraft Single is why I'm moving to Canada!" With guest Josh Wynn

Feb 12th, 2018 29m 22s

The gals of Duchess bid a very fond "bon voyage!" to our friend (and favorite sound man) Josh Wynn. Josh was responsible for not only the sound, but also some very mellifluous announcing for us at a number of gigs at Jazz Standard over the year

“Sir, I’m wearing a name tag and a bow tie."

Jan 29th, 2018 24m 4s

We're taking a walk down memory lane...in our Doc Martens and ribbon chokers. That's right, we're turning back the clock to the 1990s and our summer jobs. Tune in to hear how Melissa went method for her stint as a Bajoran in a Canadian theme pa

"You just scat all over that!" with Emilie-Claire Barlow

Jan 22nd, 2018 55m 31s

In our first episode of season two, we chat with Canadian vocalist Emilie-Claire Barlow. We discuss the arts high school that Emilie-Claire and Amy attended, her week on an ice-breaker in the Arctic, her many cartoon voices and the term "scat."

Bonus

2017 Update from Duchess

Dec 22nd, 2017 3m 34s

A short and sweet update from the ladies of Duchess - Happy Holidays! Look for season 2 coming January 22, 2018.

"Dawn" - Laughing at Life Track by Track!

Jul 10th, 2017 12m 46s

We discuss our world premier recording of Vet Boswell's "Dawn," writing tune introductions and a special gift from the Boswell sisters. This episode is dedicated to Kyla Titus.

"Flaunt your Formes" with Rachel Wirkus

Jul 5th, 2017 40m 52s

In this episode we speak with stylist, organization guru and swimwear line founder, Rachel Wirkus. Rachel got us thinking about summer with talk of Formes, her new swimwear line and also gives us some tips for organizing our closets. Speaking

"Stay where's you to, 'till I comes where you're at!" with guest Heather Bambrick

Jun 26th, 2017 59m 22s

In this episode, we catch up with Toronto-based vocalist Heather Bambrick. We discuss the many sides of Heather including her vocal harmony roots, her recent Juno nomination for her latest solo record, her voice-over career (which gets both Mel

"We'll Meet Again" - Laughing at Life Track by Track!

Jun 19th, 2017 11m 47s

In this week’s episode we talk about the World War II favorite “We'll Meet Again,” Johnny Cash's version and some more beautiful clarinet work by Anat Cohen.

"Here's to the Losers" - Laughing at Life Track by Track!

Jun 12th, 2017 19m 35s

In this week’s episode we talk about “Here's to the Losers.” We discuss Frank Sinatra's version of the song and how it informed our own, brassy 3-part harmony parts, and arranging as an outdoor activity.

With Guest Kat Edmonson

May 23rd, 2017 1h 11m

Kat Edmonton stops by to talk about American Idol, songwriting and her upcoming record. Also, What's New and Favorite Duchess Beers.

"Strip Polka" - Laughing at Life Track by Track!

May 15th, 2017 12m 59s

In this week’s episode we talk about Johnny Mercer’s “Strip Polka.” It’s about Queenie, a stripper with a heart of gold and features tenor saxophonist, Jeff Lederer.

"Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" - Laughing at Life Track by Track!

May 8th, 2017 16m 54s

In this week’s episode we talk about “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” by Cole Porter. We talk about discovering the verse and rediscovering this song, interpretation as a group in a ballad and sing the praises of Cole Porter for the second time thi