Abe Laboriel Jr.: The Powerhouse Session and Touring Drummer
Abe Laboriel Jr. is a highly sought-after American drummer and percussionist known for his powerful, groove-oriented style. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, his most prominent achievement is his long-standing role as the touring and recording drummer for Paul McCartney since 2001.
Early career
Born in 1971 into a musical family, his father is the legendary bassist Abraham Laboriel. He began playing drums at a young age and studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. His professional career launched in the early 1990s with session work for artists like k.d. lang and Steve Vai, quickly establishing his reputation in Los Angeles studios.
Breakthrough
Abe Laboriel Jr.'s career shifted into a global spotlight in 2001 when he joined Paul McCartney's band. His first major release with McCartney was the 2002 studio album Driving Rain, which was followed by the massive worldwide Back in the World tour. This high-profile position cemented his status as a first-call drummer in rock and pop music.
Key tracks
Fine Line — This opening track from Paul McCartney's 2005 album Chaos and Creation in the Backyard showcases Laboriel Jr.'s dynamic feel and musical interplay in a major artist's studio work.
Dance Tonight — The driving, folk-rock beat on this 2007 single from McCartney's Memory Almost Full album provided a foundational rhythm for one of the former Beatle's later hits.
Queenie Eye — Featured on McCartney's 2013 album New, this track highlights Laboriel Jr.'s ability to deliver a powerful, stadium-ready rock beat.
Sting Me — His work with the band Sting on the 2003 album Sacred Love demonstrated his versatility beyond the McCartney camp, adding a rock edge to the pop star's sound.
Beyond his defining work with McCartney, Abe Laboriel Jr. has built an extensive discography. He has recorded and toured with a diverse array of major artists including Eric Clapton, Steven Tyler, and Lady Gaga. His playing is noted for its solid backbeat, musical sensitivity, and immense power, making him adaptable to numerous genres from rock and pop to jazz and fusion. Laboriel Jr. remains an in-demand musician for both live performances and studio sessions.
Fans of Abe Laboriel Jr.'s drumming style may also appreciate the work of other skilled session and touring musicians. Steve Gadd is another drummer renowned for his iconic grooves and session versatility. Josh Freese shares a similar pedigree as a prolific Los Angeles-based session and touring drummer for major rock acts. Matt Chamberlain offers a comparable blend of inventive studio work and powerful live performance across genres.
The music of Abe Laboriel Jr., through his work with Paul McCartney and other iconic artists, is a staple on classic rock FM stations and adult contemporary radio formats. His recorded performances anchor hit songs that receive regular airplay on major network stations and independent music radio stations alike, ensuring his rhythmic contributions reach a wide audience daily.
Listeners can explore the powerful drumming of Abe Laboriel Jr. by tuning into the rock and classic rock radio stations featured on onairium.com. His recorded work with legendary artists is regularly in rotation, providing a perfect way to experience his influential groove and solid backbeat.
