Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli

Artist Information

Biography

"What struck me, besides the wonderful musicianship, was how present they were: with the audience and with the songs...they were a pleasure to watch and to hear."
-DAVID TAMULEVICH - Tamulevich Artist Management
Bostonian Lori Diamond and New Yorker Fred Abatelli, have been creating and performing music together in New England since their “destined” meeting on Myspace in 2007. Lori, an award winning songwriter (finalist, Great American Songwriting Contest 2010, Best Female Vocalist, Pulse Magazine 2011, 2012), combines alluring, soulful vocals and seasoned piano playing that are a perfect match for Fred’s solid finger work and clever phrasing on both bass and guitar. Fans of Norah Jones, Sarah MacLachlan and Joni Mitchell, quickly become fans of Lori & Fred as they explore Jazz, Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Gospel and blues influences and gently infuse them in a flavorful Adult Contemporary style that’s all their own.

Lori & Fred's latest collection of original songs,"TRUE", has just been joyfully released to a packed house in October 2011 at the Wachusett Music Series. Like their other CDs, "Bound" and "Mystery", "TRUE" is receiving endless praise from their audiences, peers and industry professionals alike. Most notably, "True" was awarded "BEST CD" for 2012 in Pulse Magazine's Worcester Music Awards. Lori also landed the award for "BEST FEMALE VOCALIST" on the same night for the second year running.

"Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli have created a masterpiece with their new CD, True. The songwriting and production are outstanding. The musicianship is incredible and Lori's voice is gorgeous! For fans of Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos and Natalie Merchant, you may have found the fourth voice in that music genre's version of Mount Rushmore."
- Gene Foley / Foley Entertainment, Inc.

July 2011 showcased the dynamic duo on the main stage of the legendary, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and in August, they were headliners at the Wachusett Valley Folk Festival along with David Wilcox, Mary Gauthier and Madison Violet. Topping off their ground-breaking 2011, they performed BOTH First Night Boston, and First Night Worcester, only to be invited back to do it again in 2012. These prestigious opportunities have inspired Lori and Fred more than ever to connect with audiences far and wide. Peter Yarrow, Joan Osborne, Tracy Grammer, Jimmy LaFave, DALA, David Roth, John Gorka, Ellis Paul and Mustard's Retreat are just a few of the national acts these rapidly ascending musicians will have shared the stage within 2010-2012.

In 2012 You'll find Lori & Fred at intimate coffeehouses, house concerts and various festivals and benefits throughout the year. They are clearly on the rise and have nowhere to go but up. Visit http://loridiamond.net for a full schedule of performances, or find them on Facebook. Seek them out - you'll be glad you did.




VENUES
MASSACHUSETTS: Tower Hill Botanical Garden, Boylston * The Java Room, Chelmsford * Wachusett Music Series, Lancaster * Ichabod's, Acton * Acton Jazz Cafe, Acton * Tom's Gourmet Marketplace, Northboro * Amazing Things Arts Center, Framingham * The Bull Run, Shirley * Mocha Maya's, Shelburne Falls * Savoury Lane, Acton * Perks Coffeehouse, Norwood * Parish Center for the Arts, Westford * Stagecoach Inn, Groton * Cafe Ziba, Acton * Seaward Inn, Rockport * Sweet Bites, Acton * Cafe Arpeggio, New Bedford * Johnny D's Uptown, Somerville * All Asia, Cambridge * TT & the Bears, Cambridge * Club Passim, Cambridge * New Vienna Coffeehouse, Westboro * John Harvard's, Cambridge * Emerson Umbrella, Concord * HardRock Cafe, Boston * Fruitlands Museum, Harvard * The Ratt, Boston * Common Ground, Allston * Sally OBrien's, Somerville * Circle of Friends, Franklin



NEW HAMPSHIRE: Starbucks, Manchester * Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry * Blue Dolphin, Portsmouth

MAINE: Blue, Portland * RHODE ISLAND: Evelyn's Drive In, Tiverton

NEW YORK: Arlene's Grocery, NYC * Bowery Poetry Cl

Instrumentation

Lori Diamond - piano/vocals
Fred Abatelli - guitar/bass/vocals
occasionally, Phil Punch - percussion

Discography

'Bound' was released in 2003
'Mystery' was released in February 2009
"TRUE" released October 22, 2011

All discs are enjoying airplay on

WGMUradio.com - Independents Uncovered
WICN - Worcester, MA

WCUW - Worcester, MA

RadioCrystalBlue.com

The Songwriter's Network - www.musictogousa.com

TheHighwayGirl.com - Atlanta, GA

MVYRADIO.com -MarthasVineyard, MA

WMPG 90.9fm and 104.1fm - Womansong of Portland, ME

AFC Radio Show www.afcollective.com

Indie 104 - iRadioLA

KRUU fm - Lyrical Venus Radio Hour - LyricalVenus.com

Live365.com
Women of Substance Radio -on Myspace

NYTALKRADIO.net -NY, NY

Pixy 103fm

Hamilton Radio, NJ

WomensRadio.com

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Last.fm
• Twitter
• YOUTUBE Videos of Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli
• Fred Abatelli on Myspace
• 5th Chakra Records

Audio

• The Inside
  Listen  
• The Perfect Moment
  Listen  
• Mystery
  Listen  
• Everytime - MASTER
  Listen  

Lyrics

• The Inside
• Perfect Moment (live version)
• Mystery
• The Way You Look at Me (Everytime)

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Press quote from David Tamulevich - founder of the Roots Agency [+ Show ]
  

  What struck me, besides the wonderful musicianship, was how present they were: with the audience and...What struck me, besides the wonderful musicianship, was how present they were: with the audience and with the songs...they were a pleasure to watch and to hear.

• REVIEW & INTERVIEW for SKOPE! [+ Show ]
  

  http://skopemag.com/2010/04/07/lori-diamond-mystery http://skopemag.com/2010/04/05/lori-diamond-i...http://skopemag.com/2010/04/07/lori-diamond-mystery
  
  http://skopemag.com/2010/04/05/lori-diamond-is-less-of-a-mystery-as-stoli-gets-to-know-her
  
  I introduce to you 1-of-A-Kind—Lori Diamond from Boston. This singer/songwriter/pianist has such a pure & genuine quality to her voice. Not to mention, this talented artist throws in stellar piano playing to complete the entire Mystery. It is no surprise that this Bostonian sings & plays from the heart at all times on this record. There is so much feeling & emotion being conveyed here that the music itself truly glistens.
  
  Lori Diamond is the lead singer & pianist on this new album along with being the main songwriter and co-producer. All but two songs on Mystery were written by Diamond and one track titled “The Way You Look At Me” was co-written by Lori and guitarist/bassist, Fred Abatelli. Abatelli is the other crucial half that helped make this recording possible. One other very important piece to this puzzle would be Eric Kilburn who played the role of co-producer & multi-instrumentalist. Kilburn is also responsible for mixing & recording the new record. There are many other talented musicians featured on the new album that help make Lori Diamond shine even brighter.
  
  The overall feel of this album is a very relaxing/soothing tone that really puts the listener at ease. The music is a combination of jazz, pop, folk and blues that makes up an adult contemporary style. The music is extremely soft ‘n’ tender while at the same being very powerful. Her powerfully subtle approach is what makes the Mystery so special. Diamond feeds off of emotions in a major way to where the listener is hanging on to every note & word. Lori’s voice appeals to you in such a dramatic way to where you almost feel mesmerized by her vocal performance. Put together angelic vocals & joyful piano chords and you have in your hands a Mystery that can be solved. What I find out about Lori Diamond in the end is that she is one dedicated & resourceful artist. Her heartfelt songs and passionate spirit will leave you with a feeling of goodness inside.
  
  I am impressed with the musicianship and artistry displayed here because you are not just hearing her but you are feeling her too. This Diamond is cut just right and will leave you gleaming in the end. I only wish I could have heard some more upbeat songs because I could tell Lori has the BIG vocals to really belt out a POWER performance. I understand though that the light ‘n’ airy mood was set specifically for this album. Anything else would have been inappropriate I suppose. Lori Diamond & company really nailed the overall tone & feel on this new project. One serious artist here and one serious album here as I highly recommend fully taking in Mystery. For more on Lori Diamond and her new release, SKOPE out www.loridiamond.net.
  
  By Jimmy Rae
  

• WILDY HASKELL [+ Show ]
  

  "The lyrics are intelligent and artfully written, the arrangements are first class and the musicians..."The lyrics are intelligent and artfully written, the arrangements are first class and the musicianship through Mystery is top notch. Mystery is an experience, and Diamond is aptly named. "
  - Wildy Haskell, WildysWorld.com
  
  For complete Review, go to..
  
  http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2009/06/review-lori-diamond-mystery.html
  
  
  

• Heather Miller [+ Show ]
  

  "When I got Mystery last week I found out what I’ve been missing - beautiful, lush piano, her crysta..."When I got Mystery last week I found out what I’ve been missing - beautiful, lush piano, her crystal clear voice, and lots of beautiful songs about love, family and life’s beauties and mysteries. "
  
  - Heather Miller, Lyrical Venus Radio Hour
  KRUU.COM

• Lori Diamond's MYSTERY in PULSE! [+ Show ]
  

  By Paul Maher, Jr. There’s a new vice on the horizon, and it goes by the name of Lori Diamond. ...By Paul Maher, Jr.
  
  There’s a new vice on the horizon, and it goes by the name of Lori Diamond. One listen to her and her rare talent for bridging sentiment with angst and you’ll be mainlining Sphinxian riddles straight into the joy switch in no time. These songs respectively cut a facet of precision conveying Diamond’s impressionistic, lush piano playing coupled with honey-coated vocal stylings. Heaven must be near; or is it sex on legs, the feminine presence divine fills your living room, or your car, or your headphones . . . it made me go to her web site to see what she looks like, and there she is, too respectable looking to match the voice that offers up knee-weakening soul-ballads that may just be responsible for long afternoons of lovin’.
  
  Let Lori bring it on to house and hearth, her songs are homewreckers ~ torrid, sexy and elegantly subtle, perhaps akin to the seductive charms of the mythical Sirens. She is also an amalgam of the best of female musical talent this century and the last has had to offer ~ Watch her! She’s about to get big and when she does, you’ll be able to proudly say you’ve been listening to her from the start.
  
  Mystery rolls along the span of the keyboard, as Lori swims the chords with her acrobatic vocal skills accompanied by her understated playing. “Sorry” promises safe passage from the affairs of the unmapped, when wrong decisions calls for wrong choices, and forgiveness is the last remaining hope that ties all mankind together. “Alone” conjures Joni Mitchell from her 1970s heyday, fragile as a bird’s wing, gentle as a child, quiet as an ocean storm far out at sea. “Life Provides” is another winner, its ambient textures embellishing Diamond’s lyrical delivery.
  
  Diamond’s newest (and second) release is available on her web site at www.loridiamond.net, where you can also hear samples before purchase.
  
  Stay cool.
  

• Review from Roger Zee [+ Show ]
  

  Music can tame the savage beast. I know it first hand. I got tamed live on television. After Lori Di...Music can tame the savage beast. I know it first hand. I got tamed live on television. After Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli's finished their twenty minute set on my Cable TV show, "Working Musicians," I couldn't speak. I found myself virtually hypnotized and in a trance. It took me almost 30 seconds to regain my voice. Nothing like that has ever happened to me before or since. I felt like a baby in my mother's arms while she gently sang and rocked me to sleep.
  
  Of course, that would prove no stretch for Lori Diamond, self-taught vocalist, pianist, songwriter and mother of three. She even sings about it on her self-penned, sophomore solo album, "Mystery." She works in a beautifully matched pair with Fred Abatelli who provides backup vocals, bass, and guitar on the record and live in concert. When performing, Diamond closes her eyes and gently sways while Abatelli gazes raptly at Diamond's face, responding with the subtlest of nuances to her every move. Naturally, they're both married -- to someone else! Diamond and Abatelli teamed up professionally in 2007. They share an interest in Reiki Healing and run an artist friendly, independent label, 5th Chakra Records.
  
  Diamond's interest in all things spiritual infuses the album with a lush, almost febrile, warmth. She touches on an abundance of topics. In the title cut, "Mystery," she depicts herself as an angelic lover sent to deliver her soul mate. "I sense your good intentions. I can see it in your eyes. Did I forget to mention, you’re going to be surprised when I wrap myself around you? You’re going to feel it in your soul." In "The Way You Look At Me," Diamond describes the effects of her father's love. "Now every time, I look upon his face, it’s exactly what I’ll need to see. Because I can feel all the love he gave so well. And I just love the way he looked at me. Now I have three babies, two daughters and a son. Nothing could prepare me for the way that it would open up my heart." "Cherry Hill" provides a "first person" account of the recent passing of her sister from cancer. "I like to meditate instead of medicate. Sometimes I’m desperate to rejuvenate this tired old gal I used to call 'myself'. So I left my house, and my role as a wife. Left my Town & Country, my suburban life. I left it all behind and it stood still. I went to Cherry Hill. I didn’t know I’d never be the same."
  
  The Beatles said it best, "All You Need Is Love." Lori Diamond provides the fine print.
  
  ©2010 Roger-Z
  
  

• Featured in Boston Music Spotlight!!! [+ Show ]
  

  Featured in Boston Music Spotlight - June 2009 issue! http://www.bostonmusicspotlight.com/article...Featured in Boston Music Spotlight - June 2009 issue!
  
  http://www.bostonmusicspotlight.com/article.php?id=2221

• GARAGEBAND.com [+ Show ]
  

  "This singer's voice lands somewhere between the soulful emotional impact of Sarah Maclachlan and ...
  "This singer's voice lands somewhere between the soulful emotional impact of Sarah Maclachlan and the chops and range of Joni Mitchell. Great pitch and feel. VERY RARE! "
  
  - Jonathan Richards, Singer/Songwriter on Garageband!

• Lori Diamond Review by ERIC KILBURN [+ Show ]
  

  " Her voice, lush and sexy one minute, hushed and vulnerable the next, pulls the many moods she's co..." Her voice, lush and sexy one minute, hushed and vulnerable the next, pulls the many moods she's conjuring into sharper focus, and delivers the lyrical goods with style and substance"
  
  - Eric Kilburn, Wellspring Sound

• MYSTERY REVIEW by Doug Sloan [+ Show ]
  

  "Diamond boasts a beautiful voice as she effortlessly flexes her sweet, airy ambience on an original..."Diamond boasts a beautiful voice as she effortlessly flexes her sweet, airy ambience on an original collection of heartfelt songs."
  
  - Doug Sloan, Metronome Magazine
  
  For complete review go to:
  
  http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=153607745&blogId=491820115

• INDEPENDENTS UNCOVERED!!! [+ Show ]
  

  "Lori is able to weave through each song with strength and vulnerability while captivating listeners..."Lori is able to weave through each song with strength and vulnerability while captivating listeners with her heartfelt vocals and her mastery of the piano keys. "
  
  - John Campbell, Independents Uncovered WGMURADIO.com

• Review from Chris Hardin [+ Show ]
  

  Thursday, October 09, 2008 CHRIS HARDIN - PERSONAL REVIEW, AND SPECIAL GIFT.... Current m...
  
  Thursday, October 09, 2008
  
  CHRIS HARDIN - PERSONAL REVIEW, AND SPECIAL GIFT....
  Current mood: grateful
  Category: Music
  
  
  Hey Lori, This is how your music makes me feel. I hope it is ok?
  
  Lori Diamond
  
  I spoke at some length with Lori, once, on the subject of artists. Talking to her helped me firm up my own thoughts. After the conversation, I felt lifted, as if I saw something in slightly sharper focus.
  
  When I listen to Lori's music, something very similar happens. This wonderful artist seems to have that human touch, the knack of making you almost gasp out loud "my goodness that's exactly how I felt when….."
  
  Just this very evening Lori accompanied me while I laboured…."ironing" as it happens! I rested my weapon of choice for a moment as I listened again to the words.
  
  "I believe there's a time in everybody's life there will be nobody waiting for you."
  
  "Alone" is not simply a song about loneliness or loss, missed opportunities or former lovers. It is a melodic and lyrical unravelling of those thoughts we must all have as we, like this composition, continue our journey to that affirming moment where we realise there can also be peace in that solitude.
  
  Is this part of what Lori has come to terms with, as an artist? In order to share her thoughts, must she endure moments of separation from those that she loves? It seems necessary for many, who struggle to communicate their experience of the trials and tribulations of human existence, to spend enormous amounts of their life reflecting, examining and reliving their greatest challenges.
  
  That this marvellous musician is living and learning is in no doubt. The honesty reflected in her songs is tangible. The open admission of youthful mistakes, the validation that with maturity comes knowledge and hopefully the wisdom to be a better person.
  
  And still the craft is clear. Lori controls the lyrical content beautifully in "Walking on Water" and "For Life" True, deep and sincere love combines with spiritual motifs allowing for a wonderful exploration of a series of relationships. I feel, as I listen, that I am witness to the gentle and forgiving touch of a father's hand, the unalterable love felt by a daughter and the deep exhalation in the discovery of a soul mate. A wonderful and moving experience indeed.
  
  My first introduction to Lori's songs was "Bound". I was immediately seduced by the lyrics. The apparent simplicity is its greatest secret. With not one word wasted. The deft use of rhyme and sprung rhyme in each verse is exquisite. This wonderful trick allows us to contemplate all of the "ifs" in our own life.
  
  "Now if my hair were longer,
  Then maybe I'd be strong enough
  To walk a little prouder,
  Or laugh a little louder at
  The boys who once made fun of me
  I'm glad there's only one of me
  To make me feel so bad about myself."
  
  
  This device draws you in to the heart of the song and dares you to unlock and explore the multiple layers of meaning in such a simple title. And then the realisation that Lori has offered you what she will time and again, just enough glimpses and passing shadows to allow you to finish the story for yourself.
  
  Lori sings effortlessly, and plays the piano with such eloquence. These combined skills may suggest comparisons with other artists. I found myself doing this on occasion, until I realised that the people I was thinking of had just one thing truly in common. They all had the sweet, slightly bruised hearts of a poet. I wonder.
  
  Sometimes, late at night, with a glass of deep red wine, I listen to Lori and when I do, I often pick up my guitar and play along. A guilty pleasure I know. I hope she doesn't mind.
  
  Chris Hardin.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Setlist

Depending what the venue calls for...

We can do up to 2 hours original selections from our CDs and beyond...

Or, if it's a longer gig that wants to mix covers in, we can offer 3 hours of originals & covers together. Some of the artists we cover are; Norah Jones, Corrine Bailey Rae, Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrisson, Diana Krall, Amos Lee, Eva Cassidy, Bill Withers, Carole King, Sarah McLachlan, Eric Clapton, David Gray, Alisson Kraus, Fleetwood Mac, Susan Werner, etc....

Basic Requirements

Calendar