Jeff Labes
Encyclopedia
Jef Labes is an American keyboardist, best known from his work with Van Morrison
and Bonnie Raitt
. He has also arranged for string and woodwind
instruments on numerous albums.
-based Apple Pie Motherhood Band, playing piano
and organ
on the albums Apple Pie & Motherhood (1968), composing four of the tracks himself and Apple Pie (1969), this time composing one track. The band split up later in 1969 and would not make another album.
In the same year Labes moved south to Woodstock to join Van Morrison
as a live musician. At this time Labes had been shown the music for three songs off Morrison's "classic" album Astral Weeks
in the studio, and was recording with the band Morrison had used for the album. All these musicians were replaced in the summer of 1969, leaving only Labes. The new musicians, along with Labes, were used for the recording of Morrison's third solo album Moondance
. In an interview with Clinton Heylin
, Labes points out the inconvenience of recording in New York
for the album: "We lived in Woodstock. So any time we did a session, we'd drive down a hundred miles and then we'd drive back." Labes left Morrison's band shortly after the release of Moondance to move to Israel
for a couple of years.
In 1971 Labes recorded with Jonathan Edwards and appeared on his self entitled debut album Jonathan Edwards
. In Lindsay Planer's allmusic review of the album, Labes is praised for his "rural-flavored piano licks" and the "definite sense of drama" he brings to the album. In 1972 both Labes and Edwards joined Orphan on their album Everyone Lives to Sing.
After this association with Jonathan Edwards, Labes returned to Van Morrison
's band, playing piano and writing string arrangements for his seventh studio album Hard Nose the Highway
, released in 1973. He is also credited on the album as assistant producer. Morrison had recently assembled an eleven piece band for his concerts, The Caledonia Soul Orchestra
, which Labes had joined to play piano and organ in early 1973, replacing the previous keyboard player James Trumbo. The band included the string section Labes had arranged for on Hard Nose the Highway, so he was asked to arrange string parts for some more of Morrison's songs for the live performances. The double live album It's Too Late to Stop Now
was released the following year of highlights from three concerts in the summer of the tour. After the tour ended Morrison dismantled the band and Labes was, this time, replaced by Trumbo. Although he was not touring with Morrison, Labes was asked to play on two tracks on Morrison's next studio album, Veedon Fleece
, whilst his string and woodwind arrangements were dubbed onto most of the other recordings on the album.
In 1975 Labes was invited to play synthesizer
and write arrangements for the former bassist of The Caledonia Soul Orchestra
, David Hayes
, on his album Logos Through a Sideman. Also in 1975 Labes played keyboards for Bonnie Raitt
on her album Home Plate and for her next studio album Sweet Forgiveness
released in 1977. A year later Labes joined the American singer–songwriter
Jesse Colin Young
to play on his album American Dreams. In 1979 Labes returned to Bonnie Raitt's band for the No Nukes
protest concert. Bonnie Raitt performs on two tracks that made it onto the album released of the concert. Also in 1979, Labes composed a triptych called Letters for the Northeastern University Choral Society, which received its world premiere in May of that year.
The following year Labes made a return to Van Morrison's band, using his skills in arranging to produce string parts for Morrison's album Common One
. He also contributed to the tour that succeeded the release of the album, and features on the 2006 DVD of a 1980 concert: Live at Montreux 1980/1974
. After six years Labes performed on another Morrison album, No Guru, No Method, No Teacher
and the tour that followed, featuring a recreation of The Caledonia Soul Orchestra.
Van Morrison
Van Morrison, OBE is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and musician. His live performances at their best are regarded as transcendental and inspired; while some of his recordings, such as the studio albums Astral Weeks and Moondance, and the live album It's Too Late to Stop Now, are widely...
and Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Lynn Raitt is an American blues singer-songwriter and a renowned slide guitar player. During the 1970s, Raitt released a series of acclaimed roots-influenced albums which incorporated elements of blues, rock, folk and country, but she is perhaps best known for her more commercially...
. He has also arranged for string and woodwind
Woodwind instrument
A woodwind instrument is a musical instrument which produces sound when the player blows air against a sharp edge or through a reed, causing the air within its resonator to vibrate...
instruments on numerous albums.
Career
Labes started his recording career with the BostonBoston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
-based Apple Pie Motherhood Band, playing piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
and organ
Organ (music)
The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
on the albums Apple Pie & Motherhood (1968), composing four of the tracks himself and Apple Pie (1969), this time composing one track. The band split up later in 1969 and would not make another album.
In the same year Labes moved south to Woodstock to join Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Van Morrison, OBE is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and musician. His live performances at their best are regarded as transcendental and inspired; while some of his recordings, such as the studio albums Astral Weeks and Moondance, and the live album It's Too Late to Stop Now, are widely...
as a live musician. At this time Labes had been shown the music for three songs off Morrison's "classic" album Astral Weeks
Astral Weeks
Astral Weeks is the second solo album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in November 1968 on Warner Bros. Records. It was Morrison's first album after Warner Bros. had been able to free him from his contract with Bang Records...
in the studio, and was recording with the band Morrison had used for the album. All these musicians were replaced in the summer of 1969, leaving only Labes. The new musicians, along with Labes, were used for the recording of Morrison's third solo album Moondance
Moondance
Moondance is the third solo album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released on Warner Bros. Records on 28 February 1970 and peaked at #29 on Billboard's Pop Albums chart....
. In an interview with Clinton Heylin
Clinton Heylin
Clinton Heylin is an English author who has written extensively about popular music and the work of Bob Dylan.- Education :...
, Labes points out the inconvenience of recording in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
for the album: "We lived in Woodstock. So any time we did a session, we'd drive down a hundred miles and then we'd drive back." Labes left Morrison's band shortly after the release of Moondance to move to Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
for a couple of years.
In 1971 Labes recorded with Jonathan Edwards and appeared on his self entitled debut album Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards (album)
Jonathan Edwards is the debut album from the singer-songwriter Jonathan Edwards. The album gained some mainstream attention thanks to the catchy political-pop single "Sunshine".-Track listing:...
. In Lindsay Planer's allmusic review of the album, Labes is praised for his "rural-flavored piano licks" and the "definite sense of drama" he brings to the album. In 1972 both Labes and Edwards joined Orphan on their album Everyone Lives to Sing.
After this association with Jonathan Edwards, Labes returned to Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Van Morrison, OBE is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and musician. His live performances at their best are regarded as transcendental and inspired; while some of his recordings, such as the studio albums Astral Weeks and Moondance, and the live album It's Too Late to Stop Now, are widely...
's band, playing piano and writing string arrangements for his seventh studio album Hard Nose the Highway
Hard Nose the Highway
According to Ritchie Yorke, who published his biography, Into the Music in 1975, the album enjoyed rave reviews at the time of release. He cited one dissenting critic Charlie Gillett, who wrote in Let It Rock: "The trouble with Hard Nose the Highway is that although the music is quite often...
, released in 1973. He is also credited on the album as assistant producer. Morrison had recently assembled an eleven piece band for his concerts, The Caledonia Soul Orchestra
The Caledonia Soul Orchestra
The Caledonia Soul Orchestra was the band created by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison in 1973. The band is often considered one of the tightest performing backup groups of the 1970s...
, which Labes had joined to play piano and organ in early 1973, replacing the previous keyboard player James Trumbo. The band included the string section Labes had arranged for on Hard Nose the Highway, so he was asked to arrange string parts for some more of Morrison's songs for the live performances. The double live album It's Too Late to Stop Now
It's Too Late to Stop Now
It's Too Late to Stop Now is a live album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1974 . Frequently named as one of the best live albums ever recorded, It's Too Late to Stop Now was recorded during what has often been said to be Morrison's greatest phase as a live...
was released the following year of highlights from three concerts in the summer of the tour. After the tour ended Morrison dismantled the band and Labes was, this time, replaced by Trumbo. Although he was not touring with Morrison, Labes was asked to play on two tracks on Morrison's next studio album, Veedon Fleece
Veedon Fleece
Veedon Fleece is the eighth studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in October, 1974 . Morrison recorded the album shortly after his divorce from wife Janet Rigsbee...
, whilst his string and woodwind arrangements were dubbed onto most of the other recordings on the album.
In 1975 Labes was invited to play synthesizer
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
and write arrangements for the former bassist of The Caledonia Soul Orchestra
The Caledonia Soul Orchestra
The Caledonia Soul Orchestra was the band created by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison in 1973. The band is often considered one of the tightest performing backup groups of the 1970s...
, David Hayes
David Hayes (musician)
David Hayes is an American bass guitar player.Hayes has worked with Van Morrison, The Rowans, Terry & The Pirates, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Country Joe McDonald and others....
, on his album Logos Through a Sideman. Also in 1975 Labes played keyboards for Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Lynn Raitt is an American blues singer-songwriter and a renowned slide guitar player. During the 1970s, Raitt released a series of acclaimed roots-influenced albums which incorporated elements of blues, rock, folk and country, but she is perhaps best known for her more commercially...
on her album Home Plate and for her next studio album Sweet Forgiveness
Sweet Forgiveness
-Track listing:#"About to Make Me Leave Home" – 4:14#"Runaway" – 3:57#"Two Lives" – 3:49#"Louise" – 2:45#"Gamblin' Man" – 3:27#"Sweet Forgiveness" – 4:11...
released in 1977. A year later Labes joined the American singer–songwriter
Singer–songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
Jesse Colin Young
Jesse Colin Young
Jesse Colin Young is an American singer / songwriter / folksinger and a founding member of the group The Youngbloods.-Early life:...
to play on his album American Dreams. In 1979 Labes returned to Bonnie Raitt's band for the No Nukes
No Nukes (album)
No Nukes: The Muse Concerts For a Non-Nuclear Future was a 1979 triple live album that contained selections from the September 1979 Madison Square Garden concerts by the Musicians United for Safe Energy collective, with Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Bonnie Raitt, and John Hall being the key...
protest concert. Bonnie Raitt performs on two tracks that made it onto the album released of the concert. Also in 1979, Labes composed a triptych called Letters for the Northeastern University Choral Society, which received its world premiere in May of that year.
The following year Labes made a return to Van Morrison's band, using his skills in arranging to produce string parts for Morrison's album Common One
Common One
Common One is the twelfth album by Northern Irish singer/songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1980.It has been said to be one of his most ambitious and daring albums since Astral Weeks...
. He also contributed to the tour that succeeded the release of the album, and features on the 2006 DVD of a 1980 concert: Live at Montreux 1980/1974
Live at Montreux 1980/1974
Live at Montreux 1980/1974 is the first official DVD by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released on October 16, 2006. The films consist of two separate performances by Van Morrison at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland...
. After six years Labes performed on another Morrison album, No Guru, No Method, No Teacher
No Guru, No Method, No Teacher
This album was hailed by most critics as a return to form and gave Morrison his best reviews of any of his albums in the eighties. John Wilde in Sounds remarks, "the crescendos here are never dampened by their subtle nature and never fall short of blinding. The whole album aches with a steady...
and the tour that followed, featuring a recreation of The Caledonia Soul Orchestra.
Van Morrison
- MoondanceMoondanceMoondance is the third solo album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released on Warner Bros. Records on 28 February 1970 and peaked at #29 on Billboard's Pop Albums chart....
(1970) - Hard Nose the HighwayHard Nose the HighwayAccording to Ritchie Yorke, who published his biography, Into the Music in 1975, the album enjoyed rave reviews at the time of release. He cited one dissenting critic Charlie Gillett, who wrote in Let It Rock: "The trouble with Hard Nose the Highway is that although the music is quite often...
(1973) - It's Too Late to Stop NowIt's Too Late to Stop NowIt's Too Late to Stop Now is a live album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1974 . Frequently named as one of the best live albums ever recorded, It's Too Late to Stop Now was recorded during what has often been said to be Morrison's greatest phase as a live...
(1974) - Veedon FleeceVeedon FleeceVeedon Fleece is the eighth studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in October, 1974 . Morrison recorded the album shortly after his divorce from wife Janet Rigsbee...
(1974) - Common OneCommon OneCommon One is the twelfth album by Northern Irish singer/songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1980.It has been said to be one of his most ambitious and daring albums since Astral Weeks...
(1980) - No Guru, No Method, No TeacherNo Guru, No Method, No TeacherThis album was hailed by most critics as a return to form and gave Morrison his best reviews of any of his albums in the eighties. John Wilde in Sounds remarks, "the crescendos here are never dampened by their subtle nature and never fall short of blinding. The whole album aches with a steady...
(1986) - The Philosopher's StoneThe Philosopher's Stone (album)The Philosopher's Stone is a compilation album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison released in 1998 .The songs released on this 2-CD thirty track album were previously unreleased outtakes from 1969 to 1988...
(1998) - Live at Montreux 1980/1974Live at Montreux 1980/1974Live at Montreux 1980/1974 is the first official DVD by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released on October 16, 2006. The films consist of two separate performances by Van Morrison at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland...
(2006)
Bonnie Raitt
- Home Plate (1975)
- Sweet ForgivenessSweet Forgiveness-Track listing:#"About to Make Me Leave Home" – 4:14#"Runaway" – 3:57#"Two Lives" – 3:49#"Louise" – 2:45#"Gamblin' Man" – 3:27#"Sweet Forgiveness" – 4:11...
(1977) - No NukesNo Nukes (album)No Nukes: The Muse Concerts For a Non-Nuclear Future was a 1979 triple live album that contained selections from the September 1979 Madison Square Garden concerts by the Musicians United for Safe Energy collective, with Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Bonnie Raitt, and John Hall being the key...
(1980) (various artists)
Chris Michie
- Tough Love (1998)
- A Fourth Wave of Bay Area Blues: A Collection of Contemporary Blues Songs, Vol. 4 (2005) (various artists)
External links
- [ Jef Labes at] allmusic