While there he was introduced to the electric bass guitar.He fell in love with the instrument. He was probably the first musician to take the style of classical guitar playing and adapt it to the electric bass. What you are seeing in his playing is a master musician and musical prodigy playing a bass guitar in ways that few have ever even tried. Abe continues to this day, in his innovative interpretation of bass playing in a way that surely makes him one the most sought after in the industry.
Hi You tube. I am a bass player and have been studying Abe and Victor for about 15 years. This is a peak of humanity example of bass playing that will never be surpassed.
I love Abe's playing. He is a force and has been a powerhouse here in the studios of Los Angeles for years. He is a master of his instrument and brings his creativity and talent as does other players who we all can admire and emulate. I met him once and his advice to me was "stay happy!" I now pass that on to all of you with this added advice, appreciate the talent of this great player for he has many lessons to teach!!
His pure joy and his connection with the music he plays is something I have never seen before. He is so fun to watch dance around, kinda like a big dancing bear on stage. If you ever have the opportunity to see him perform live you will know what I mean.
I've heard many bassists try this kind of thing but never heard it done quite this way. Always captivating, Abe. Always a pleasure to hear and work with you. Blessings!!
When I was a kid, I saw him play live with the Henry Mancini orchestra in 1976 in Hamilton. He did a bass solo leading into Peter Gunn that I can still remember almost note-for-note 30+ years later. It had a huge impact on me as a kid. It was only through the internet that I was able to find out who that "Abraham La Boreal" guy was that Mancini introduced as the soloist so many years ago. He still brings it.
Saw Abe with Abe Jr and Landau words can't express it. Concert with Justo Almario at C.A. years ago. Abe got stuck in traffic after a session. Another bass player was filling in. Abe walked in the building and plugged in and melted the place down. Bass+total joy = Abe!
Abe is just out of this world, He was the first bass player I bought a video of when I was just learning to play bass (Begining Funk Bass). That was almost 12 yrs ago and I still learn so much from the same tape.
I meet Abe at a Conference called Noise in New Zealand. He is incomparable to anybody. He revolutionized the Bass as we know it. Ya can't hold a candle to him, and its thanks to him we have the slap bass technique. Props Abe.
He is one of my First Influence in bass playing! There's no words that can explain how blessed I am because of you & I'm forever grateful. God bless you more Abe Sr. ("How i wish & pray to watch you perform live on & off stage...")
Abe was a musical prodigy as a child and studied classical guitar. Early on He mastered the flamenco rasgueado style and was recording music as at 12 years old. To those unfamiliar with rasgueado it is the playing of the guitar with all 5 fingers of the strumming hand and four fingers on the neck. It is considered one of the most difficult styles of guitar playing. Abe received a guitar scholarship as a young man to the Berklee school of music in 1972.
He has been able to cross all the lines in modern music and virtually play any style of music that record producers have required of him. With well over 3,000 recordings in the can, his presence in modern music cannot be denied. His credit list is long and distinguished and includes some of the top singers and bands in modern music. Being a fan of his for almost 20 yrs, I can attest that his musical bag of tricks is seemingly endless. He is in high demand for recording and tours to this date.
@ULIGH: this is from an old VHS that Abe did, think it's called 'new bass concepts'. I've got it somewhere! So glad someone's taken the time to convert and upload some of it. I think the name of this piece is 'Laura', but don't quote me on that. There's a bass and flute duet (feat. Justo Almario) on the same video which is worth looking out for too.
stereotype? FYI. Uh, he's actually hispanic born in Mexico City. Guitar Player Magazine described him as: "the most widely used session bassist of our time". Laboriel is the father of drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. Graduated from Berklee School of Music.
awesome why i really like this is that i can feel hes playing the way a bass player plays from the heart and soul u can tell he aproaches it from a bass players stance!!!...luv it man...thanks for the post!!!
U had an opportunity to express urself, I believe to the fullest. God will say well done...Powell(Botswana) I like ur playing so so much, u r actually my role model
You know, Stanley Clark, Marcus and Wooten are master bassists but somehow, Abe Laboriel is more than a master - he is a seasoned master. His solos are more than show-off, they have some sweetness to them ! The way he plays, the way he moves with the music, 1:55 - 2:01 .. unparalleled !
@heitorcrespo Abe's parents were Garifuna; he was born in some Central American country, I believe. He studied flamenco guitar technique prior to learning the bass. There's no doubt that you could hear some "Southern Hemisphere" in there, whether it's Brazilian, Caribbean ... Abe's roots often come out, because he's the genuine article, and he plays from his heart and soul.
He is a Christian and has spent much of his time recording and touring with other Christian Musicians. He also has recorded his own jazz band "Koinonia". I doubt that there are very many other bass players alive today that are as versatile as Abe Laboriel. Is he the best? Who could answer that, as there are so many great bass players out there. Is he one of the best, I would say, without a doubt. He is definitely one the most entertaining musicians you will ever watch play.
that was nasty!!! I love his stage presence. THe way he dances around and just grooves with te tune is an awesome inspiration. Im Mexicano and I play bass. Its kinda funny how when I look at his playing style as apposed to say...Victors or M Millers, I see similarities in my own style when i see Abe play. Anyways great preformance
Whether its Ritenour's Rio Funk, or Koinonia's Valentine, or Herb Alpert's Rise, Abe is the man, a monster of the bass guitar. Hell, his bass line for the song Rise has reached messianic status amongst the hip-hopster-gangsta rapper crowd. The man is the best.
Talento ,creatividad,melodia,ritmoetc; Pero sobre todo humildad es lo que caracteriza a este gran musico El mejor o no,es lo de menos,sin duda hay otros mas grandes o mas pequeños que el. Salud para ti Abraham ,para tu hermano Johnny ,tremendo cantante y para toda tufamilia en general..
Abe does play on Ritenour's Rio album, on songs Ipanema Sol and It Happens Every Day. Koinonia's album More than a Feeling contains some great solos by Abe. Its hard to find an album he's not played on.
hahaha i've never heard of this guy before, but i love the feeling he puts into his bass. his facial expressions are a nice comic touch too, very smooth playing indeed.
At the beginning he's playing the head (melody) of the song "Laura" - then he goes into the solo. At 4:12 he goes back into the melody again and finishes it. It's that simple :-)
I just found out that the song Laura was originally recorded by Charlie Parker... I don't know if everyone else new that. Still, Abe's take on the song is refreshing and altogether very groovy (although that word doesn't even describe half of it)
It's so amazing how quickly race, religion, tone, etc get into discussions about bassists. This man is simply a great bass player. Not my favorite but, geez you can't deny it. That would be fact is he was white, a "little person" , a muslim or Jew or Catholic or FEMALE. Shit, he could be TS & wouldnt change the fact of him simply being a great bassist. I also notice that most, if not all of the people who leave negative comments never have anything of themselves posted. hmmmm
While there he was introduced to the electric bass guitar.He fell in love with the instrument. He was probably the first musician to take the style of classical guitar playing and adapt it to the electric bass. What you are seeing in his playing is a master musician and musical prodigy playing a bass guitar in ways that few have ever even tried. Abe continues to this day, in his innovative interpretation of bass playing in a way that surely makes him one the most sought after in the industry.
Hi You tube. I am a bass player and have been studying Abe and Victor for about 15 years. This is a peak of humanity example of bass playing that will never be surpassed.
This is the kind of music that inspires a smile. God bless you, Mr. Laboriel.
I love Abe's playing. He is a force and has been a powerhouse here in the studios of Los Angeles for years. He is a master of his instrument and brings his creativity and talent as does other players who we all can admire and emulate. I met him once and his advice to me was "stay happy!" I now pass that on to all of you with this added advice, appreciate the talent of this great player for he has many lessons to teach!!
His pure joy and his connection with the music he plays is something I have never seen before. He is so fun to watch dance around, kinda like a big dancing bear on stage. If you ever have the opportunity to see him perform live you will know what I mean.
I've heard many bassists try this kind of thing but never heard it done quite this way. Always captivating, Abe. Always a pleasure to hear and work with you. Blessings!!
When I was a kid, I saw him play live with the Henry Mancini orchestra in 1976 in Hamilton. He did a bass solo leading into Peter Gunn that I can still remember almost note-for-note 30+ years later. It had a huge impact on me as a kid.
It was only through the internet that I was able to find out who that "Abraham La Boreal" guy was that Mancini introduced as the soloist so many years ago. He still brings it.
God bless him, he genuinely is enjoying the gift he has. Thats what it is all about.
Saw Abe with Abe Jr and Landau words can't express it. Concert with Justo Almario at C.A. years ago. Abe got stuck in traffic after a session. Another bass player was filling in. Abe walked in the building and plugged in and melted the place down. Bass+total joy = Abe!
just saw this guy live. best bassist i've ever seen live in my life
Abe makes it look so easy...so peacefull...
What an absolutely gorgeous bass.
I got to perform with him on stage about a month ago, followed by tears of shame and awe :D
His groove is so tight
Abe is just out of this world, He was the first bass player I bought a video of when I was just learning to play bass (Begining Funk Bass). That was almost 12 yrs ago and I still learn so much from the same tape.
Yes, I bought this video when it came out. Abraham instantly rose to the top bassist for me right next to Chuck Rainey.
Loved abe for years!! he puts so much feelin in his music and has a great non ego attitude about him!! One of the reat bass masters!!
I meet Abe at a Conference called Noise in New Zealand. He is incomparable to anybody. He revolutionized the Bass as we know it. Ya can't hold a candle to him, and its thanks to him we have the slap bass technique.
Props Abe.
He is one of my First Influence in bass playing!
There's no words that can explain how blessed I am because of you & I'm forever grateful.
God bless you more Abe Sr.
("How i wish & pray to watch you perform live on & off stage...")
Abe is unbelievable live, he knows every single style and trick for the bass!
This is ABE at his best
Abe was a musical prodigy as a child and studied classical guitar. Early on He mastered the flamenco rasgueado style and was recording music as at 12 years old. To those unfamiliar with rasgueado it is the playing of the guitar with all 5 fingers of the strumming hand and four fingers on the neck. It is considered one of the most difficult styles of guitar playing. Abe received a guitar scholarship as a young man to the Berklee school of music in 1972.
He has been able to cross all the lines in modern music and virtually play any style of music that record producers have required of him. With well over 3,000 recordings in the can, his presence in modern music cannot be denied. His credit list is long and distinguished and includes some of the top singers and bands in modern music. Being a fan of his for almost 20 yrs, I can attest that his musical bag of tricks is seemingly endless. He is in high demand for recording and tours to this date.
This is one of the best instructional videos ever made!
I Love Abe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The song is called Laura. It's an old jazz standard.
He is a really great bass player for sure. Beautiful work for sure
Just listened to New Frontier by Donald Fagen. Abe lays down one of the coolest, hip bass parts ever.
The gold standard. Love you Abe
This guy becomes one with that bass guitar...i love it !
@ULIGH: this is from an old VHS that Abe did, think it's called 'new bass concepts'. I've got it somewhere! So glad someone's taken the time to convert and upload some of it. I think the name of this piece is 'Laura', but don't quote me on that.
There's a bass and flute duet (feat. Justo Almario) on the same video which is worth looking out for too.
love watching this...
I love when he does the slap triplets..
What a legend!!! Fantastic stuff!
stereotype? FYI. Uh, he's actually hispanic born in Mexico City. Guitar Player Magazine described him as: "the most widely used session bassist of our time". Laboriel is the father of drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. Graduated from Berklee School of Music.
awesome why i really like this is that i can feel hes playing the way a bass player plays from the heart and soul u can tell he aproaches it from a bass players stance!!!...luv it man...thanks for the post!!!
U had an opportunity to express urself, I believe to the fullest. God will say well done...Powell(Botswana) I like ur playing so so much, u r act
incredible incredible incredible!!!!
God bless this guy forever he is a Genius,Gosh!
Abe is not from this planet, he is light years above all the rest. Amazing!
Abe is fantastic! Saw a video of him doing some of his playing/scatting at the same time, the man loves music.
Man i love this guy.
U had an opportunity to express urself, I believe to the fullest. God will say well done...Powell(Botswana) I like ur playing so so much, u r actually my role model
You know, Stanley Clark, Marcus and Wooten are master bassists but somehow, Abe Laboriel is more than a master - he is a seasoned master. His solos are more than show-off, they have some sweetness to them ! The way he plays, the way he moves with the music, 1:55 - 2:01 .. unparalleled !
This man is the Bhut Jolokia of the Bass! This groove would make a whole club of people dance.
Love to see a true Master at work... Thanks for the posting. "Jam-On"
Happy Birthday, Abe! XoX
so god damn awesome
@heitorcrespo Abe's parents were Garifuna; he was born in some Central American country, I believe.
He studied flamenco guitar technique prior to learning the bass. There's no doubt that you could hear some "Southern Hemisphere" in there, whether it's Brazilian, Caribbean ... Abe's roots often come out, because he's the genuine article, and he plays from his heart and soul.
He is a Christian and has spent much of his time recording and touring with other Christian Musicians. He also has recorded his own jazz band "Koinonia". I doubt that there are very many other bass players alive today that are as versatile as Abe Laboriel. Is he the best? Who could answer that, as there are so many great bass players out there. Is he one of the best, I would say, without a doubt. He is definitely one the most entertaining musicians you will ever watch play.
that was nasty!!! I love his stage presence. THe way he dances around and just grooves with te tune is an awesome inspiration. Im Mexicano and I play bass. Its kinda funny how when I look at his playing style as apposed to say...Victors or M Millers, I see similarities in my own style when i see Abe play. Anyways great preformance
Whether its Ritenour's Rio Funk, or Koinonia's Valentine, or Herb Alpert's Rise, Abe is the man, a monster of the bass guitar. Hell, his bass line for the song Rise has reached messianic status amongst the hip-hopster-gangsta rapper crowd. The man is the best.
NICE MEN... UR MY INSPIRATION IN PLAYING A BASS 4 GOD GLORY...GODBLESS
no solamente lo que toca es impresionante , si no como baila y disfruta al mismo tiempo un genio
MUCH more than an inspiration!
sick feel, great to see a true groove like this
this song is so dope wit it
Talento ,creatividad,melodia,ritmoetc; Pero sobre todo humildad es lo que caracteriza a este gran musico
El mejor o no,es lo de menos,sin duda hay otros mas grandes o mas pequeños que el.
Salud para ti Abraham ,para tu hermano Johnny ,tremendo cantante y para toda tufamilia en general..
It's a solo. He is supposed to"over do it". Absolutely gifted. God workin.
Extremely groovy! Amazing performance!:D
Love the tone
THE BEST BASSIST PERIOD!!!!!
Abe does play on Ritenour's Rio album, on songs Ipanema Sol and It Happens Every Day. Koinonia's album More than a Feeling contains some great solos by Abe. Its hard to find an album he's not played on.
i love this man
hahaha i've never heard of this guy before, but i love the feeling he puts into his bass. his facial expressions are a nice comic touch too, very smooth playing indeed.
Esse ai é o kra
hj ele deve estar com uns 80 anos né
msmo velho ele ainda é o melhor
god bless!
the 'some famous song' is Laura. Check out Charlie Parker's (w strings) version sometime. Abe is amazing!
At the beginning he's playing the head (melody) of the song "Laura" - then he goes into the solo. At 4:12 he goes back into the melody again and finishes it. It's that simple :-)
incredibly hilarious, i thought the same thing too, i just couldnt quite figure out what it was that i was thinking, good one bro
Good groove.
He is having a good time. :)
incredible bass playing:)
no worries, jus thought i'd mention it. and yea, Abe is friggin' awesome, pity he's not more famous tbh.
Now that sounds sweet.
beautiful
well! wow!!!! always in my book he is just simply the best ooooooooooo yea
brilliant!!!
Bueno, el nombre del tema es LAURA... Y Abe lo interpreta exquisito.
Remember "Avenging Annie"? Amazing tune and of course bass by......
Amazing .....
The great man.
Sin duda su inspiracion es Dios...no cabe duda de eso dema bueno este Man
i love this, even though it's not the best sounding bass.. its great
Really classy playing from a classy guy!
I just found out that the song Laura was originally recorded by Charlie Parker... I don't know if everyone else new that. Still, Abe's take on the song is refreshing and altogether very groovy (although that word doesn't even describe half of it)
Sweet looking bass.
very interesting tone
Abe rules.
this man is my hero! :D
The bass is a Valley Arts
Excellent observation.
The song is
"Laura" by David Raksin
I photographed Abe on 4/28/1981 at a club in North Hollywood (I believe) and would like to contact him to return to him my negatives.
Yeeeaahhhh! Abes the MAN. hes been around for ages - more accurate in everything he does than Victor the young brilliant protege
This guy is too good. Seeing this makes me regret selling my Valley Arts bass, had one just like it. Oh well.
Mestre... minha maior influência, grande ser humano, só quem já teve a oportunidade de estar próximo sabe.
BEST EVER that's the least one can say.
wow..!!!! O.M.G...!!!
maestroooooo!!!!
"Oh Laura... is the face in the misty night..." c'mon man. Update your comment.
Spike Jones also did a great version of "Laura". Laura dude. Laura.
Nice job overall. I love his right hand technique.
It's so amazing how quickly race, religion, tone, etc get into discussions about bassists. This man is simply a great bass player. Not my favorite but, geez you can't deny it. That would be fact is he was white, a "little person" , a muslim or Jew or Catholic or FEMALE. Shit, he could be TS & wouldnt change the fact of him simply being a great bassist.
I also notice that most, if not all of the people who leave negative comments never have anything of themselves posted. hmmmm