Joe La Barbera is a distinguished American jazz drummer renowned for his sensitive and dynamic playing style. Born on February 22, 1948, in Mount Morris, New York, he grew up in a musical family—his brothers Pat and John La Barbera are also acclaimed jazz musicians. Joe's career gained significant momentum after he graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he honed his craft and developed a deep understanding of jazz percussion.

After years of refining his skills, La Barbera achieved wider recognition when he became the drummer of choice for legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans, joining his trio in 1978 until Evans' passing in 1980. This association left a profound impact on La Barbera's career and further established his reputation as a consummate performer. His professional trajectory has seen him perform and record with a multitude of jazz greats, including Chuck Mangione, Woody Herman, Tony Bennett, and Art Pepper, among others.

Over the years, Joe La Barbera has expanded his portfolio beyond performance to include teaching, influencing new generations of musicians as a professor of jazz studies at the California Institute of the Arts. His passion for jazz extends into his discography, which features a blend of both performances as a bandleader and as a sideman. Notable recent works include "Three in One," an exploration of ensemble dynamics, and "Kind of Bill: Live at Casinò DI Sanremo," a live tribute to Bill Evans, showcasing La Barbera's continued reverence for his mentor's legacy. A true ambassador of jazz, La Barbera's work signifies a lifelong dedication to the evolution and propagation of the genre.

Genres

Jazz

Contemporary Jazz

Jazz Fusion

Bebop

Swing

Hard Bop

Cool Jazz

Big Band

Latest Release

World Travelers

Joe La barbera

Album - 9 Tracks - Released January 26, 2024