“The ensemble led by John La Barbera, Musical Director, produced non-stop theatrical and musical energy”. N.Y. Times,  Alex Ross

 

“The music, directed by John La Barbera is folkish aiming for vitality above precision and often achieving both”.  New York Times,  John Pareles

 

“John LaBarbera, kicks things into overdrive with his hand-driving contributions on oud, mandocello and guitar..”

 Pulse Magazine, -J.Poet,

 

“La Barbera fitted all of this (Stabat Mater) out with a kicky new score...it was slickly produced and smoothly executed...his 4 part setting of the ancient Stabat Mater text made for a touching light motif”. New York Times, James Oestreich

 

“ Mr. LaBarbera’s “Marimbaba Suite” was a set of three cheerful homages to Brazilian folk music: bouncy, dreamy and bouncy again..

this was music you wanted to be dancing to...

New York Times, Paul Griffiths.

 

“This CD (Earth, Sun, And Moon) is highly recommended for a powerful blend of traditional rhythms, instruments and themes from various ages and cultures”. Rhythm Music Magazine

 

“..John’s immense knowledge of traditional Italian music was a great asset to the production. It gave his original compositions a feeling of  authenticity that supported the story of the film..” (Children of Fate), Archipelago Films.  Andrew L.

Young, Director

 

“John La Barbera’s stunning compositions and phenomenal playing, along with the entire ensemble’s spirited performance, put this recording in a class by itself”. Lyrichord Discs

 

“John La Barbera’s original music marks him as a contemporary Kurt Weill.”

Backstage.com, Victor Gluck

 

“The momentum builds to a pitch in both acts thanks to the haunting and feverish score by John La Barbera”. Village Voice, Robert Massa

 

“Congratulations on the wonderful work created by John La Barbera”. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Jenneth Webster, producer

 

“...Stabat Mater is one of the best productions at the Cathedral in the last 23 years”. The Very Reverend Dean James Parks Morton, former Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC.

 

“...The production values are high... and the striking use of music, and a haunting score, were composed and performed by John La Barbera”. The Herald, Edinburgh, Scotland

 

“...John La Barbera is North American born with the dance of music in his fingertips. His articulations on either instrument, intimate and classically fine, are filled with the light of a born Latino”. Woodstock Times

 

“ The Collection of Songs on In The Labyrinth will carry you across several continents as guitarist John LaBarbera rightfully proclaims his virtuosity.” to the bone.com, Tracy Romoser