Joseph James LaBarbera (born February 22, 1948) is an American jazz drummer and composer. He is best known for his recordings and live performances with the trio of pianist Bill Evans in the final years of Evans's career. His older brothers are saxophonist Pat LaBarbera and trumpeter John LaBarbera.
Career
He grew up in Mount Morris, New York. His first drum teacher was his father. For two years in the late 1960s, he attended Berklee College of Music, then went on tour with singer Frankie Randall. After Berklee he spent two years with the US Army band at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He began his professional career playing with Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd.
Discography
thumb|upright=0.9|LaBarbera in 1978
As leader
- The Joe La Barbera Quintet Live (Jazz Compass, 2001)
- Mark Time (Jazz Compass, 2003)
- Love Locked Out (2003), with Patti Wicks and Keter Betts
- Native Land (Jazz Compass, 2006)
- Silver Streams (Jazz Compass, 2012)
As sideman
With Tony Bennett
- 1986 The Art of Excellence
- 1987 Bennett/Berlin
- 1990 Astoria: Portrait of the Artist
- 1992 Perfectly Frank
- 2007 Sings the Ultimate American Songbook Vol. 1
With Rosemary Clooney
- 1989 Rosemary Clooney Sings Rodgers, Hart & Hammerstein
- 1992 Girl Singer
- 1997 Mothers & Daughters
- 2000 The Songbook Collection
- 2001 Sentimental Journey: The Girl Singer and Her New Big Band