Abraham Laboriel


Abraham Laboriel López is a Mexican-American bassist who has played on over 4,000 recordings and soundtracks. Guitar Player magazine called him "the most widely used session bassist of our time". Laboriel is the father of drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. and of producer, songwriter, and film composer Mateo Laboriel.
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Early life, family and education

Laboriel was born in Mexico City. His brother was Mexican rock singer Johnny Laboriel, and his sister is Mexican singer, film and television actress Ella Laboriel. Their parents were Garifuna immigrants from Honduras. The family was devoutly Catholic. His father Juan José Laboriel started as a cab driver but in the 1920s became an integral part of the entertainment business in Mexico as a founding member of the actors', musicians', composers' and film workers' associations, eventually becoming involved in over 200 films in various capacities.
Abraham received classical training as a guitarist, but he switched to bass guitar while studying at the Berklee College of Music, graduating in 1972. During this time, he learned the importance of versatility as a musician.

Career

Henry Mancini encouraged Laboriel to move to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a recording career, which he did in 1976. He struggled to find work for two years, before finding his first gig on a road tour with Olivia Newton-John. After a consequent European tour with Al Jarreau, Laboriel settled into a full-time studio career in Los Angeles.
Laboriel has also worked with Alan Silvestri, Alvaro Lopez and Res-Q Band, Alvin Slaughter, Andraé Crouch, Andy Pratt, Andy Summers, Barbra Streisand, Billy Cobham, Chris Isaak, Christopher Cross, Crystal Lewis, Dave Grusin, DeBarge, Djavan, Dolly Parton, Don Felder, Don Moen, Donald Fagen, Dori Caymmi, Elton John, Engelbert Humperdinck, Freddie Hubbard, George Benson, Hanson, Herb Alpert, Herbie Hancock, Johnny Hallyday, Keith Green, Kelly Willard, Lalo Schifrin, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Leo Sayer, Lisa Loeb, Luis Miguel, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Nathan Davis, Paul Jackson Jr., Paul Simon, Phil Driscoll, Quincy Jones, Randy Crawford, Ray Charles, Ron Kenoly, Russ Taff, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Smith, Umberto Tozzi and Yumi Matsutoya.
Laboriel was a founding member of the bands Friendship and Koinonia. With the latter, he recorded four albums.
In addition, he has recorded several solo albums on which he recruited a cast of musicians that included Alex Acuña, Al Jarreau, Jim Keltner, Phillip Bailey, Ron Kenoly, and others. His son Abe Laboriel Jr., longtime drummer for Sir Paul McCartney, has played on some of the recordings.
Laboriel is member of the band Open Hands with Justo Almario, Greg Mathieson, and Bill Maxwell.

Honors and awards

In 2005, Abraham was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by the Berklee College of Music, his alma mater.
He is ranked No. 42 on Bass Player magazine's list of "The 100 Greatest Bass Players of All Time".

Discography (partial)

  • 1993 Dear Friends
  • 1994 Guidum
  • 1995 Justo Almario & Abraham Laboriel
  • 2001 Laboriel Mathieson
  • 2005 ''Live in Switzerland''

with [Koinonia (band)]

  • 1983 More Than a Feelin'
  • 1984 Celebration
  • 1986 Frontline
  • 1989 ''Koinonia''

As sideman

with Justo Almario
  • 1987 Plumbline
  • 1995 Count Me In
with George Benson
with George CablesShared Secrets
with Larry Carlton
with Andraé Crouch
with Phil Driscoll
  • 1987 Make Us One
  • 1992 The Picture Changes
  • 1994 Selah I
  • 1996 Selah II
  • 1997 Live with Friends
  • 1997 Live Praise and Worship
  • 1999 The Quiet
  • 2000 Plugged In
with Michael Giacchino
with Dave Grusin
with Al Jarreau
with Ron Kenoly
  • 1991 Jesus Is Alive
  • 1992 Lift Him Up
  • 1994 God Is Able
  • 1995 Sing Out With One Voice
  • 1996 Welcome Home
  • 1998 Majesty
  • 1999 We Offer Praises
with Henry Mancini
  • 1975 Symphonic Soul
  • 1976 The Cop Show Themes
with Don Moen
  • 1990 Eternal God
  • 1992 Worship with Don Moen
  • 1994 Trust in the Lord
  • 1995 Rivers of Joy
  • 1997 Let Your Glory Fall
  • 1998 God Is Good
  • 2000 The Mercy Seat
  • 2000 Heal Our Land
with Al Jarreau and George Benson
with Lee Ritenour
  • 1978 The Captain's Journey
  • 1979 Feel the Night
  • 1981 RIT
  • 1986 Earth Run
with others