By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – After a chance meeting, Northborough’s Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli combined their lifelong musical talents and for the last eight years have been entertaining and inspiring audiences. They took that talent to the next step and recently released their third CD, “Lifted.”
Both Diamond and Abatelli had been playing professionally with bands and doing studio work. Their musical paths crossed in 2007 on Myspace Music, which used to be a thriving community for local musicians. After years of being support players for other bands, they decided to become a duo.
“We never looked back,” Diamond said. “We have similar hardworking, yet easygoing dispositions, common interests in spiritual philosophies and a passion for creating thoughtful, meaningful music.”
Diamond and Abatelli attribute their similar backgrounds as another reason they work well together.
“We both come from musical families where our love of music began in early childhood,” she noted. “We are both self-taught musicians without formal training. It’s helpful because we generally speak the same language.”
“Lifted” is the duo’s third CD. “Mystery” was recorded in 2009 and “True” in 2011.
According to Diamond, “Lifted” is the result of a year of powerful challenges, blessings, healing and ultimate gratitude.
“It took us over a year to create,” she said. “We were experimenting, growing and enjoying the creative process. It’s a massive effort, but truly a labor of tremendous love.”
The CD title and cover song, “Lifted,” was chosen because it is a message of love and appreciation. Diamond described how the song’s lyrics – “The weight of the world has fallen from my shoulders and I’m lifted” – expresses the gratitude she and Abatelli have for where they are in their lives, and how much love they have for one another.
“Like most songs on the album, anyone can relate to it,” she said. “They are universal, yet very personal themes. Overall, it’s very positive and uplifting.”
Their music is a combination of many influences, including folk, jazz, pop, blues and even a little gospel.
“Ultimately, that puts us in the adult contemporary genre,” Diamond said. “Think of artists like Joni Mitchell, Carol King, Sarah McLachlan.”
Diamond and Abatelli both have a passion for arranging harmony vocals and writing lyrics. They trade on lead vocals to mix things up and keep it interesting for their audience while keeping it fun and creative for themselves.
Diamond, a pianist, is a mom of three and a graphic designer and promoter for other artists.
Abatelli, who plays guitar and bass, is a quality engineer and currently lives in New Hampshire. His son Matt is a phenomenal saxophone player who can occasionally be seen on stage with them.
An event to celebrate the release of “Lifted” will be held Saturday, June 20 at the Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham. Tickets, which are $18, may be purchased through the center’s website amazingthings.org.
The duo can be seen at upcoming spring shows including St. John’s Coffeehouse in Arlington Saturday, March 14; Wachusett Music Series in Sterling with Brooks Williams Saturday, April 11; and Viva Bene in Worcester Saturday, April 18. For information on shows, music samples and to purchase the CD visit www.LDFAmusic.com. Digital downloads are also available at iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby.
A portion of their CD sale proceeds will be donated to NEADS, an organization that provides service and assistance dogs. Diamond has a service dog in her own home and feels strongly about helping others acquire them.
