Loy & Altomare

The Profile

Italian acoustic duo formed by Massimo Altomare (from Verona) and Francesco “Checco” Loy (Roman by adoption), active in the 1970s. After meeting around Portobello Road in late 1960s London, they returned to Italy and released albums including Portobello (1973) and Chiaro (1974), blending folk and country with Italian sensibilities.

Checco Loy is the son of film director Nanni Loy; Chiaro (1974) is their second of three albums; influences include Simon & Garfunkel and Loggins & Messina; collaborators cited include Stephen Grossman, Fabio Liberatori, and Donatella Bardi.

Reviews spotlight Loy & Altomare’s 1970s acoustic/folk sound with Italian flavor and country touches. Chiaro (1974) shines for tasteful arrangements and dual vocals, while Portobello is framed as a tender, memory-soaked listen. References to collaborators and influences ground the duo in a warm, introspective tradition.