Pat LaBarbera is an American-Canadian saxophonist and composer known for his innovative approach to jazz and his virtuosic saxophone playing. Born on April 7, 1944, in Mt. Morris, New York, LaBarbera began playing the saxophone at a young age and quickly developed a passion for music.
Throughout his career, LaBarbera has performed with a wide range of jazz legends, including Buddy Rich, Louis Bellson, and Woody Herman. He is also known for his work with the Elvin Jones Jazz Machine, a group that he joined in the 1970s and toured with extensively throughout the world. LaBarbera moved to Toronto, Canada in 1974 after touring with the Buddy Rich Big Band.
LaBarbera’s playing style is characterized by its technical precision and its ability to convey a wide range of emotions. He is known for his virtuosic solos and his ability to improvise with ease in a variety of musical settings.
In addition to his work as a performer, LaBarbera is also a dedicated music educator and has taught at a number of institutions throughout his career. He studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston and has taught at Humber College, York University and the University of Toronto. He has also composed a number of original works and arrangements, which have been recorded by a wide range of jazz artists.
LaBarbera’s contributions to music have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards and honors over the course of his career. He is a Conn-Selmer artist, and his signature saxophone mouthpiece is widely used by musicians around the world.
Today, LaBarbera continues to perform and record music, and his influence on the jazz genre continues to be felt by musicians and fans alike. His commitment to innovation and his dedication to music education continue to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners around the world.
Page last updated 3/26/2023.
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