Abe Laboriel Jr. and Fiction Plane crossed paths in London during the band's June 7, 2002, King's Head gig. He was touring with Paul McCartney, and was in town with producer David Kahne and other band members for McCartney's wedding. Fiction Plane's manager called Kahne to come down and hear the band, and Kahne brought Abe with him. The band was currently without a drummer, and Joe was intermittently filling in on drums, so Abe offered to sit in on drums. When it came time for Fiction Plane to record their debut cd with MCA records a few months later, they were still without a drummer, so Kahne asked Abe to drum on the cd, which he did. After the cd was finished, the band auditioned drummers , and hired Pete Wilhoit to tour with the band.
Abe on drums at the King's Head gig
Abe Laboriel Jr. is a versatile musician who feels at home in any genre. Although he is primarily known for his extraordinary drumming, he is also adept at percussion, guitar, keyboards, writing, arranging, scoring, and has the sweetest vocals you will ever hear. His discography is too large to print here, but in addition to his jazz credits and movie soundtracks, he has worked with major pop artists such as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Duran Duran, Natalie Cole, Seal, Sting, and Paul McCartney. He can also be heard on cd's by newcomers Lisa Marie Presley and Kelly Clarkson. In 1994, Abe was in a band called The Raging Honkies, described as ""Nirvana with Jimi Hendrix on guitar". He stayed with them for 2 albums and a tour, before leaving to take advantage of other offers. He has done extensive touring with major bands, including a recent world tour with Paul McCartney.
Abe's discography
Abe is not the only musician in his family. His dad, Abe Laboriel Sr, is a world renowned jazz bassist, and his younger brother Mateo is studying guitar at Berklee School of Music in Boston. Although Abe grew up in LA, he was born at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, and returned to Boston to attend Berklee School of Music, graduating in 1993. ( Abe's dad also graduated from Berklee).
On January 19, 2003 Abe was presented with the " Distinguished Alumni Award" by Berklee School of Music at the NAMM show in L.A. This award is given to alumni who bring honor and recognition to the college, and who display high standards in the industry.
Abe with Dan Brown in Fiction Plane's "Hate" video
