Quincy Jones The Dude (1981)

the scarily-talented Jones assembled a crack team for this one – Laboriel’s skills are in outstanding company. ‘Ai No Corrida’ has him alternating octaves with seventh-heavy slap runs, while on the title track he embellishes whole-note roots with high-neck hammer-ons and pull-offs underneath vocals from James Ingram and Michael Jackson. It’s lock, lock, lock on the ballad ‘Just Once’, anchoring the root throughout. Each track has a different feel. There’s a hint of bluesiness to the ultra-funky ‘Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me’, where Laboriel cuts loose to provide a harsh, trebly groove. A holdover from the flamenco and classical guitar of his early career is his use of fingernails for added rasp. Strings used included GHS Brite-Flats, particularly with his fretless Sabre, and also GHS Super Steels. For a microcosm of the funk of Laboriel in one track, check out ‘Turn On The Action’. Top-notch technique allied with superb feel, subtle tonal control and dynamic understanding – incredible stuff.