Abraham Laboriel Jr.
Drummer and Singer
gives credit to his Vocal Coach

Abraham Laboriel Jr. not only plays drums, but also sings background vocals on the Paul McCartney Driving USA tour. As part of the band of four that joins Paul for this tour, Abraham sings the high harmony parts at the same time as he anchors the band from the drum chair. Abe does this for most of this two and a half hour show.

Abe sang backgrounds on McCartney's last album, Driving Rain and can be seen playing with Paul and an array of stars in Concert for New York taped live in Madison Square Garden. Abe joined Paul in the pre-game show of this year's Super Bowl. He was also seen the night before the Super Bowl as drummer and background singer with Sting on CBS' Super Bowl Party Show.

How can he sustain the energy and the pitch in such a strenuous situation? Abe credits his voice teacher Ode Wannebo with teaching him the fundamentals of good singing.

"I was hesitant at first to study with Ode. He has a beautiful voice, but his style is classical. I didn't want to sing like that. But Ode showed me how to build a foundation for my voice, how to breathe, how to use my whole body as an instrument. I was able to adapt the principles that he taught me to sing, while playing drums, watching out for my posture, being careful to keep the vocal area relaxed and open. He showed me how to produce 'head tones' that allow me to produce high notes that are in tune and relaxed with great projection, not a falsetto, but a natural sound. Paul has great skills, but over the years I've watched many other singers who get hoarse every night because of straining with poor technique. I'll always be grateful for what Ode taught me."