Rachel's were an American chamber music group that formed in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1991. Former Rodan guitarist Jason Noble played music individually and referred to himself as Rachel's but then began collaborating with core members violist Christian Frederickson and pianist Rachel Grimes (formerly of Hula Hoop). The group's work was strongly influenced by classical music, particularly inspired by the minimalist music of the late 20th century, and its compositions reflect this. While the trio formed the core part of the band, the group's recordings and performances featured a varying ensemble of musicians, who played a range of string instruments (including viola and cello) in combination with piano, guitars, electric bass guitar, and a drum set that included a large orchestral bass drum. A key influence on the music of Rachel's was the music of the English composer Michael Nyman, whose music the group's work resembles in both instrumentation and compositional style.
A profile of the band is included in the book Second-Hand Stories: 15 Portraits of Louisville by Michael L. Jones.
Noble died of cancer on August 4, 2012, and Edward Grimes died on March 25, 2017.
Links to Peel[]
Peel first played the Rachel's in May 1995 via their 'Seratonin' track from their debut album, 'Handwriting'. Further tracks from the group were played on his radio shows including a session they recorded for his programme in 1997 and a live performance at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in 2002. Guitarist, Jason Nobel, was a member of Roman, a group that Peel first played in 1993.
Sessions[]
RACHELS John Peel 21st September 1997
1. Recorded: 1997-09-21. First Broadcast: 22 October 1997
- Rhine And Courtesan / On Demeter / Nocturne No 1
Live[]
Recorded live at the All Tomorrow's Parties. First Broadcast: 25 April 2002
- Warm Body
Other Shows Played[]
- 12 May 1995: 'Seratonin (LP-Handwriting)' (Quarterstick)
- 1996
- 09 February 1996: Egon & Gertie (album - Music For Egon Schiele) Quarterstick
- 17 February 1996 (BFBS): 'Egon & Gertie (CD-Music For Egon Schiele)' (Quarterstick)
- 08 March 1996: 'Second Portrait Series (LP-Music For Egon Schiele)' (Quarterstick)
- 13 October 1996: Night At Sea (album - The Sea And The Bells) Quarterstick
- October 1996 (FSK): Tea Merchants (CD - The Sea And The Bells) Quarterstick
- 23 November 1996: To Rest Near To You (album - The Sea And The Bells) Quarterstick
- 2003
- 22 October 2003: 'Moscow Is In The Telephone (LP- Systems/Layers)' (Quarterstick)
- 13 November 2003 (Radio Eins): 'Even / Odd (LP- Systems/Layers)' (Quarterstick)