Short Bio
Lori Yates was inducted into the Friar's Music Museum in March 2025.
"SHAKING THE FOUNDATIONS: Women Trailblazers in Toronto Music, Exhibit."
And described as ““Country-rock visionary, a kick ass singer."
Matador, her current recording has garnered worldwide critical acclaim. It was recorded at Blue Rodeo’s studio The Woodshed with members from Hey Stella and Blue Rodeo: Bazil Donovan, Jimmy Bowskill, Michelle Josef, and the late great guitarist David Baxter. The sound leans heavily Steve O’Connor’s piano and organ and Lori’s rhythm acoustic guitar.
The title track, Matador, pays homage to the famed after-hours club depicted in Leonard Cohen's video "Closing Time,” an autobiographical call to save one of Toronto’s most storied landmarks.
Lori has again recorded “Time After Time,” the song she wrote with legendary songwriter Guy Clark.
From the first notes of the opening track, it becomes apparent that Lori’s voice has matured into a powerful, beautiful, alluring instrument, and her songwriting skills are an all time peak.
Rick Danko - The Band, a fan since singing harmony with her on her song Rebel Angel told her she had "that desperate Canadian sound". And thats a good thing!
“Lori Yates’ Matador sparkles with seductive grooves, wonderfully inventive melodies and finely crafted, emotive-filled vocals. Matador is, so far, my favourite album of the year.”
“You rarely run into a record so beautifully rendered as Lori Yates’ Matador. The songs contain so much wisdom and are exquisitely sung. That voice is a gift. I loved this record.”
“Haunting, relaxed beauty. Lori’s voice is in its peak form, rich and resonant. Her new album Matador is among the best she’s ever put out.”
“Beautifully crafted, ringing with the true spirit of the country: sorrow, heart, danger and redemption.”
Yates catapulted onto the Queen West scene in the 1980s with her cowpunk band Rang Tango. Discovered by Nashville, Lori has shared stages and studios with a dizzying array of music heavyweights, including Roky Erickson, Rick Danko, Colin Linden, Jim Cuddy, duets with Tom Wilson and movie soundtrack for Patrick Swayze’s Next of Kin with Greg Allman to name a few.
Understandably, Lori Yates has a long list of accolades to her credit: Juno, CCMA, Polaris Prize (Longer List), Lifetime Achievement awards, and Songwriter of the Year nominations and wins.
Yates’ songwriting prowess is celebrated through the permanent enshrinement of her lyrics from "Angels With Bloody Knees" in Hamilton's Gore Park.
Lori Yates has marched to her own drum, and "Matador" is a testament to her authenticity and musical prowess.
“Yates’ brand of forward-thinking alt-country was truly ahead of her time when she made her Nashville debut at the tail end of the 80’s”. The influence of her albums “Can’t Stop the Girl and Breaking Point is all over today’s Americana scene.”
“Always a firebrand, it’s so so good to hear from Yates again.”