Biography
When Jeff Roberts first met Lori Donovan he had just recently left a busy career working as a touring blues guitarist, having backed Lonnie Shields (Rooster), and playing lead for the Pennsylvania-based band, MadDog and Blues Night Out and his own Jeff Roberts Band, for over seven years.  He was looking for a change.  

Lori Donovan, a renaissance woman by every definition, was working as an executive for one of the East Coast’s largest music festivals, writing novels, singing with a local blues band (Sweet & Lowdown), and raising her two daughters.  She was looking for a change.

They decided to join forces, slim down, and play their blues together – acoustically.  Since that time, the duo has developed a set of songs that encompass the American roots music experience – with songs that range from their traditional blues to modern folk rock and jazz inspired originals.  

In early 2008, they sat down and began plans to record their first feature CD “Are You Alone.”  Within a few short months, they enlisted the help of musical friends like Mikey Jr. (www.mikeyjunior.com) on harp, Craig Kastelnik on piano, Nashville-session staple, Brian Ashley Jones, and the marvelous Maria Woodford (www.mariawoodford.com) on mandolin.  With their help, the duo completed a CD that truly connects with the roots of American music.

The CD was released on July 18, 2008, but had seen critical success even before it’s unveiling.  Independent filmmaker Zeke Zelker, was so taken by the songs that he requested three for his upcoming feature film, “In Search Of”.  The Donovan Roberts tunes – “Are You Alone,” “Wonderin’ About You” and “What You Need From Me” will be included in the film when it appears at International film festivals this year. 

In addition to their recording in 2008, Donovan Roberts were also honored as semi-finalists in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN – where they competed against the best blues solo and duo performers from around the world.  Jeff and Lori will be returning to Memphis in 2009 to represent the Lehigh Valley Blues Network for the second year in a row.  

Highlight performances for the duo include shows at Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA), Briggs Farm Blues Festival (Nescopeck, PA), Newtonfest (Newton, NC), The Sellersville Theater (Sellersville, PA), Mayfair (Allentown, PA) and venues across the US Southeast, from New Englad to the gulf coast.


Instrumentation
Lori Donovan - lead vocals
Jeff Roberts - guitar, dobro, vocals

Discography
Are You Alone (Shelloy Sounds) 2008

Links