Artist: Abraham Laboriel

Abraham Laboriel López Sr. 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. He is ranked No. 42 on Bass Player magazine's list of "The 100 Greatest Bass Players of All Time". 

A classically trained guitarist, he switched to bass guitar while studying at the Berklee College of Music, graduating in 1972. It was during this time that Laboriel learned the importance of versatility as a musician. 

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 worked with Al Jarreau, 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, and Umberto Tozzi, 

Laboriel was a founding member of the bands Friendship and Koinonia. With the latter he recorded four albums. 

Laboriel is now in the band Open Hands with Justo Almario, Greg Mathieson, and Bill Maxwell. 

Further information about Abraham Laboriel is found here.