Abraham Laboriel: The Session Bass Virtuoso of Modern Music
Abraham Laboriel is a Mexican-born bassist and one of the most recorded musicians in history. His prolific career spans over four decades, contributing to thousands of sessions across genres like pop, rock, jazz, and gospel.
Early career
Born in Mexico City in 1947, Abraham Laboriel began his musical journey on guitar before switching to bass. He moved to the United States in the 1970s to study at the Berklee College of Music, quickly establishing himself as a versatile and in-demand player in the Boston scene.
Breakthrough
Laboriel's move to Los Angeles in the mid-1970s marked his entry into the elite session world. His breakthrough came through work with producer Larry Carlton and his inclusion on major label projects for artists like Quincy Jones, launching him into the industry's top tier.
Key tracks
Just the Two of Us — His iconic bassline drives this Grammy-winning hit by Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers.
Rock with You — Laboriel's groove is foundational on Michael Jackson's smash single from the multi-platinum album Off the Wall.
Mornin' — His playing defines the rhythmic feel of this Al Jarreau classic from the 1981 album Breakin' Away.
I Keep Forgettin' — He provided the bass for this Michael McDonald hit, a staple of yacht rock radio.
Turn Your Love Around — Laboriel's work is featured on this George Benson track that won a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1982.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Abraham Laboriel became a fixture on countless platinum albums. His discography includes sessions with Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Ray Charles, and Elton John, making his bass playing a subtle hallmark of the era's sound. Beyond studio work, he has released several solo albums and leads the band Open Hands, exploring jazz fusion.
Artists with a similar foundational and versatile approach in their fields include Larry Carlton for his session guitar mastery. Nathan East shares the title of being a supremely influential session bassist. The jazz fusion spirit of Lee Ritenour aligns with Laboriel's own group projects. For Latin-infused jazz instrumentation, explore Dave Weckl, a frequent collaborator.
The music of Abraham Laboriel, both his session work and solo projects, is regularly featured on a variety of radio stations, including smooth jazz FM stations, classic pop radio streams, and dedicated fusion channels. His influential bass lines form the backbone of many tracks in heavy rotation.
Listeners can discover the immense catalog of Abraham Laboriel by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com, where his genre-defining bass playing is celebrated across multiple formats.
