Search - Abraham Laboriel :: Dear Friends

Excellent Debut

Joash | Ridgewood, NY United States | 12/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A fine effort by a true master. As a well established sessionist Abe Laboriel is a legend in his own right. His versatility is evident by the spectrum of artists he has worked with, however a solo album has been a long time coming. "Dear Friends" is a fabulous showcase of that talent asserting itself in the arena of intelligent jazz. Though lacking in the kind of bass-driven melodies heard in albums by other bass greats like John Pattiticci and Victor Wooten, this album is very well thought out in it's use of the bass as an instrument that undergirds each compositions. Highly recommended for the serious jazz listener and bassist alike. Eagerly awaiting his next solo album."

THE BEST BASSIST IN THE WORLD BY FAR

Papetti | Mexico City | 10/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Abraham's name appears in hundreds and hundreds of albums from all kinds of musics, Jazz, Funk, Rock, Gospel, Instrumentals, R&B, Disco etc. etc. and that's exactly what you get in this album, pure quality, variety and super skills; It's unfortunate to read reviews like the one posted here by someone who does not understand a great artist's work and probably expected a milkshake. Abraham as well as his long-time partners Justo Almario and Alex Acuña are top-notch instrumentalists. Please do yourself a favor and purchase this CD, you'll be glad you did."

FINE PERFORMANCES - BUT LACKING IN EXCITEMENT

J. C. Bailey | East Sussex United Kingdom | 09/26/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Abe is a likeable, no, a loveable man. He is an intense, sincere artist. As a session musician he has made a priceless contribution to hundreds of recordings. As a virtuoso bass guitarist he has single-handedly redefined the art of funk bass, and his fine tutorial publications are spreading his influence to a whole new generation of young musicians."Dear Friends" is Abe's first solo album, and it represents a stellar line-up of famous names, including Phil Bailey and Al Jarreau as well as Abe's usual stalwarts - Justo Almario, Greg Mathieson, etc. It ought to be a real celebration, in keeping with this crew's usual spiritually uplifting form. I was moved to go our and buy the album after seeing a searing live performance on German satellite TV (why can US/Brit channels show this sort of thing more often?)So the bottom line is, I'm not sure why this album seems to drag on so endlessly, but here are one or two possible reasons:The album is too eclectic. It's not sure whether it wants to be hard jazz, pop-funk or soul, and it tends to change tack and throw you just as you are getting into it. The soul works least well - it has all the right croony mannerisms, but no real emotional warmth. The funk works best - "Quote, Unquote" and the Mathieson-penned "Simple Self" are standout tracks - but each idea is dragged out just a bit too long. In short, this is a good showcase for great artists who deserve to be listened to, but doesn't rank as particularly great listening on its own merits.Best wishes to all concerned for the next project."