Tag Archives: bassist

Life Member Richard Feves Remembered

Life member Richard Feves, bassist, pianist, accordionist, composer, and arranger, died Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Santa Monica, California. He was 76 years old. 

Richard had a long career as a double bassist in Los Angeles, logging well over 1,000 recording sessions for motion pictures, television, and records. In addition to his recording work, he performed live with artists ranging from Leopold Stokowski to Jerry Garcia. 

Richard began his musical journey on piano and accordion at age five, but it was an invitation from his cousin, Julie Feves (bassoon AFM Local 47), to attend the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan, that led him to take up the double bass. After Interlochen, Richard secured a position with the Portland Symphony Orchestra (now the Oregon Symphony) while finishing high school. After graduating high school, he moved to New York City to attend The Juilliard School, where he studied double bass with Stuart Sankey. 

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#AFM47 Member Spotlight: Abraham Laboriel

AFM Local 47 Life Member Abraham Laboriel has lived a life surrounded by music. 

Born in Mexico City, his parents were Garifuna immigrants from Honduras. His sister is singer Ela Laboriel, and their brother was late rock singer Johnny Laboriel. Abraham is the father of  drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. and of producer, songwriter, and film composer Mateo Laboriel — both of whom are also proud members of the Los Angeles musicians union. Continue reading