Joe Abba

Drummer/Percussionist/Educator

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22 Reviews (1 Verified)
Joe Abba on SoundBetter

Drummer, Percussionist, Musician, Educator, Joe Abba has been offering his unique sound to artists of all genres for the past 20 years. Now, he is offering home recording services with multiple drum and percussion colors to make your music come to life. Credits include The Ramones, Dave Douglas, Jerry Jemmott, Jessica Simpson & Donny McCaslin.

Born and raised in New York, Joe Abba began playing drums at age 8. For over 25 years, he has provided the drums and percussion for countless artists of all genres, from Jazz to Rock to Funk to Pop to Metal to Classical to Hip Hop. He has worked with countless composers and performers, including but not limited to: Donny McCaslin, Baba Israel, Pacha Massive, Tommy and CJ Ramone, Jerry Jemmott, Harvey S., Sean Nowell, Gene Pritsker & The Composers Concordance, Lew Soloff, Dave Douglas, Jessica Simpson, The Bjorkestra, Costas Baltazanis, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Shayna Steele, and Brian Charette.

He is a member of the Afro Jazz Project, Molly Tigre, whose debut album was released in 2018, The Terranean Tinge, which fuses jazz and hip hop, as well as The New York Jazz Exchange, a Swedish and American Jazz Project he founded with Fredrik Olsson. They have two albums out, "Stockholm Swinging," (Voted one of 2012's best jazz albums of the year) and their 2016 self titled studio album. His current project, The Funk Unit, perfectly blends funk, soul, jazz, and hip hop; Joe Abba's band performs originals he has written, as well as classic funk, soul, and hip hop standards. His debut album with this band is to be released this summer.

Joe Abba is a composer, drummer, percussionist, and educator. He can be reached through www.joeabba.com and on everywhere on social media!

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22 Reviews

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  1. Review by Billy
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    by Billy
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    I highly recommend Joe - he delivered 100% with both the professional creative musical performance's and quality drum / kit sounds I wanted for my project. He did a great job all round - playing in a wide range of styles on my original instrumental jazz tracks.
    Bop / blues and ballads / modal /experimental / funk jazz / jazz rock etc
    He is highly creative but also open to your suggestions / brief / charts.

  2. Review by Travis Sullivan
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    Joe is an amazing drummer and composer. I would recommend him for musical projects of any style. He seriously rocks it!

  3. Review by Jed D.
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    by Jed D.

    I have been working with Joe for almost twenty years... you cannot go wrong here. He will deliver in ANY style. We've done showtunes, punk rock, electronic pop, big band, drum and bass, bluegrass... even performed Faith No More's entire "Angel Dust" album live for reasons that no longer make sense. Dozens of live shows, dozens of recording sessions. I don't remember the last time I had to ask Joe for a second take.

  4. Review by Jed D.
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    by Jed D.

    I have been working with Joe for almost twenty years... you cannot go wrong here. He will deliver in ANY style. We've done showtunes, punk rock, electronic pop, big band, drum and bass, bluegrass... even performed Faith No More's entire "Angel Dust" album live for reasons that no longer make sense. Dozens of live shows, dozens of recording sessions. I don't remember the last time I had to ask Joe for a second take.

  5. Review by Jed D.
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    by Jed D.

    I have been working with Joe for almost twenty years... you cannot go wrong here. He will deliver in ANY style. We've done showtunes, punk rock, electronic pop, big band, drum and bass, bluegrass... even performed Faith No More's entire "Angel Dust" album live for reasons that no longer make sense. Dozens of live shows, dozens of recording sessions. I don't remember the last time I had to ask Joe for a second take.

  6. Review by Lars Ekman
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    by Lars Ekman

    I've recorded a few albums and played MANY shows with Joe. He is defintely a first class drummer in every style we ever played in (from jazz to classical to metal!). Also a super great person who´s very easy to work with. Highly recommended!

  7. Review by Cary Brown
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    by Cary Brown

    I have hired Joe to play with my organ trio several times, and have also worked with him in a rhythm section on some gigs, and I would highly recommend him for any project. He showed up having really studied the material, and his playing is a great combination of accurate and super musical, and soulful. Highest recommendation!

  8. Review by Isamu McGregor
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    by Isamu McGregor

    I've worked with Joe in many professional settings, and I gotta say - Joe is the man! He brings such a great vibe to every situation, not to mention fantastic drumming and musicality. I would highly recommend getting this guy involved on your project!!

  9. Review by Tom Tallitsch
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    by Tom Tallitsch

    Joe is a blast to work with! He is a master musician who always brings a positive, professional, and high level approach to my gigs and sessions. Whether it's modern jazz, swing, funk, odd meters, rock, or latin, Joe's creativity and approach on the drums is unparalleled. I highly recommend him for any project or gig. You will not be disappointed!

  10. Review by Sam Minaie
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    by Sam Minaie

    I have just finished Mixing Joe's last record and have played with him on a dozen projects, one of the easiest drummers I've ever had to work on. His sound is complete and his playing is perfect in the can. Extremely versatile with a wide variety of sonic textures, his groove is DEEP and his improvising is even DEEPER!

  11. Review by Matt Garrison
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    by Matt Garrison

    If you want a musician who can play any style, has a big beat, and an open mind, look no further than Joe Abba. And aside from his percussive skills, Joe is the consummate professional and gives his very best in every musical situation. If you want someone to simply lay down the groove, or someone to have an improvised musical conversation with, Joe is your guy.

  12. Review by Nick Mancini
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    by Nick Mancini

    I've known Joey for over 20 years. We've played mountains of gigs together. He's a great hang and plays his natural born A$$ off. What I love most about his playing is that there is never a moment when he is not fully immersed in the moment. This makes him a valuable player in any genre. He has also really upped his game with his home recording rig. He gets great sounds and is a solid studio player.

  13. Review by Andrew Swift
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    by Andrew Swift

    Joe is an excellent drummer who is well versed in many different styles of music. In addition to having the ability to come up with drum parts that are "just right", he's got pro gear that can provide a wide range of drum, cymbal, and percussion sounds.

  14. Review by Gene Pritsker
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    by Gene Pritsker

    Joe is the man - amazing groove and a great ability to read my very complicated music - always a pleasure to work with

  15. Review by Gene Pritsker
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    by Gene Pritsker

    Joe is the man - amazing groove and a great ability to read my very complicated music - always a pleasure to work with

  16. Review by NIsles
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    by NIsles

    Joe is the utmost professional with his versatility and musicianship as he can play any style and genre with authenticity and creativity. I've had the pleasure to work with him throughout the music scene for two decades. I highly recommend him.

  17. Review by Bob Gingery
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    by Bob Gingery

    Joe is a great drummer and a great guy. Yes you should hire him!! Hire him already!!!!!

  18. Review by Trifon Dimitrov
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    by Trifon Dimitrov

    Joe is a talented and versatile drummer, great bandleader and wonderful human being. He will get the job done and contribute to the music with energy only he can bring in.

  19. Review by Matthew Stuart
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    by Matthew Stuart

    I’ve known Joe for a number or years. He is hands down one of the best drummers I’ve ever heard. I am a DJ and we’ve done countless DJ/drummer sets together. No matter where I go musically or if I change the tempo, he’s always right there with me. Then, on another night, he’ll be playing the most sweet sounding jazz you’ve ever heard. His versatility is amazing! He’s also an all around great guy and someone anyone would love to work with.

  20. Review by Jostein Gulbrandsen
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    by Jostein Gulbrandsen

    I have worked with Joe in many professional situations and I have always been impressed with his strong musicianship and versatility. On top of that he is a great guy, super positivitie and reliable. Can’t recommend him enough. A++

Gear Highlights
  • Yamaha Maple Custom Drums in rock and jazz sizes
  • over 30 different Cymbals for all styles
  • countless Snares and Percussion/Sound FX
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