When it comes to blues music there is nothing more powerful than an improvised session with a band. It takes skilled musicians to create spontaneous variations of melodies and rhythms. The style of music is filled with emotion and soul. Back in 2013 bassist Abraham Laboriel put a group of musicians together and out of their recording session the song Case of the Blues was born.
Born in Mexico City, Abraham Laboriel has made a career as a bass player crossing through many genres and working with a plethora of artists. In his youth he trained in classical guitar, not switching his focus to the bass until he began studying at the Berklee College of Music. He later became a founding member of the band Koinonia. This was where he met long-time collaborators Bill Maxwell and Hadley Hockensmith.
Over the years the group has played several sessions together in spaces like the Evergreen Stage in Los Angeles. This studio was formerly owned by DiaDan Holdings Ltd from 2010 to 2016. In that time the studio worked with an array of artists including David Foster, Jordan Smith, Judith Hill and Kenny G.
Case of the Blues started as an improvised blues riff. The recording features Hadley Hockensmith on guitar, Bill Maxwell on drums, Greg Mathieson on organ, and Phil Driscoll on trumpet and vocals. With a few lines of lyrics from well known blues songs mixed in with lyrics made up on the spot the
recording flows seamlessly. When asked about the concept of the song, Laboriel shared “what is special about improv is we create concepts on the spot. When you are in a room with musicians you trust anything is possible”.
Laboriel is said to have played on over 4000 recordings over his career. In that time many of the musicians he met he still collaborates with today. This is true with Case of the Blues, which has gone on to have many emerging musicians put their twist on the song by covering it in videos online.
In the years since this collaboration, Laboriel has continued to play as a studio musician as well as with his current band Open Hands. As for Case of the Blues, it continues to gain recognition over ten years later with over 2.5 millions views of the song on YouTube.
“It’s incredible to see how a moment of spontaneous creativity can resonate with so many people,” Laboriel reflects. “The blues are timeless, and this song is a testament to that.”
Reflecting on the journey of Case of the Blues, Laboriel emphasized the importance of authenticity in music. "The beauty of blues lies in its raw, unfiltered emotion," he says. "When we recorded this song, it was about capturing a moment, a feeling. That’s what music is all about – connecting with people on a deeper level.” This philosophy continues to guide his work, inspiring both veteran musicians and new talents in the industry.
Laboriel’s dedication to nurturing new talent is evident in his frequent collaborations with younger musicians. He often conducts workshops and masterclasses, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience.
“Seeing the next generation take what we’ve done and build on it is incredibly rewarding,” Laboriel noted. “Music is a living art form, and it’s amazing to witness its evolution through fresh perspectives.” His influence extends beyond his recordings, shaping the future of blues and jazz for years to come.
With each new project, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring that the spirit of improvisation and innovation remains at the heart of his music. As Laboriel looks to the future, he remains committed to fostering creativity and passion in every note he plays.