Pat LaBarbera (Photo courtesy of KSMF Webmaster)
A key fixture in Toronto's jazz scene since moving to Canada in 1974, saxophonist Pat LaBarbera is brother of Joe LaBarbera (drummer with Bill Evans during 1978-1980) and arranger/trumpeter John LaBarbera, He became known for his exciting solos during his tenure with Buddy Rich's big band (1967-1973). After moving to Toronto, LaBarbera toured with Elvin Jones from 1975 through 1978. He will perform at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago through Sunday, March 25th
Pat LaBarbera was born in Warsaw, New York on April 7, 1944, and he moved to Toronto in 1974. He studied at the famed Berklee College of Music, and soon after graduating, began to make his presence felt with the best of the American big bands
By the time he relocated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1974, Pat LaBarbera was already well-known for his solo work with the bands of Louis Bellson, Woody Herman, and for seven years, touring and recording as featured tenor saxophone soloist with the Buddy Rich Band throughout every major city in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Universally considered one of the world's most exciting saxophonists.
LaBarbera performed and recorded with Elvin Jones since 1975, appearing at premier jazz festivals all over the world. After a brief hiatus, he rejoined Elvin Jones' 'Time Machine' in 2001 to perform and tour North America, Britain. Europe, and Japan for the next two years.
LaBarbera has played on every major network television show including The Ed Sullivan Show and Johnny Carson's Tonight Show several times. He has worked with the biggest entertainers in the business including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Corea, Woody Shaw, and McCoy Tyner.
Called 'a true intellectual of improvisation' by Justin Time Records, Pat LaBarbera was awarded Junos and 'Jazz Report' Awards for writing and performing with his own jazz ensembles all along the way. He has been on the full-time teaching faculty at Humber College for the past several years instructing on Saxophone, Ensemble Performance, Jazz Repertoire Development, and Advanced Jazz Theory and Performance Practice, while continuing to write, perform, and record with his own trios and quartets.
The Jazz Showcase is now located at Dearborn Station, 809 S. Plymouth Court in Chicago. Check the Jazz Showcase website for updated information at www.jazzshowcase.com or call (312) 360-0234.
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