Abe Lagrimas, Jr. is a versatile multi-instrumentalist who begun his musical journey starting at such an early point in his life. Abe started playing drums at the age of four, but gained an interest in learning other instruments as his music career progressed. Predominantly known as a drummer, Abe is equally proficient on the vibraphone and the `ukulele. Today, he currently performs and tours throughout the world on the drums, vibraphone, or `ukulele.
As a high school student, Abe participated in prestigious music programs such as the Drummers Collective in New York City, the Berklee College of Music 5-week Summer Program in Boston, MA, and the Betty Carter’s Jazz Residency in Washington D.C. where Abe made his debut performance at the Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts. After high school, Abe continued his studies and attended Berklee College of Music as a North American World Tour Scholarship recipient.
Abe is also a member of one of South Korea’s top jazz group. Formed in the summer of 2003, “Prelude”, a unique jazz quintet consisted of two saxophones and a rhythm section, signed with SonyBMG records in 2005. That same year, “Prelude” released their debut album entitled “Croissant”, and became one of the top ten selling albums in Korea. “Prelude” has released two more albums entitled “Breezing Up” and “3rd“, with their fourth album due in 2010. They continue to perform throughout Korea and were showcased at the 2007 Jarasum International Jazz Festival.
Abe continues to tour throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe. He has performed with notable artists such as Eric Marienthal, Michael Paulo, Lalo Schifrin, Gabe Baltazar, James Morrison, Benny Rietveld, Jake Shimabukuro, James Ingram, Valery Ponomarev, Daniel Ho and many others. Besides “Prelude”, Abe is a regular member of Don Tiki (dontiki.com), Waitiki (waitiki.com), Bop Tribal (boptribal.com), and Charmaine Clamor (charmaineclamor.com).
A 2006 Na Hoku Hanohano nominee for his album “Dimensions” and a 2008 Hawaii Music Award recipient and Na Hoku Hanohano nominee for his album “A Pass Out Records Christmas.” Abe released his first major record label debut entitled “Lovers Uke” on Universal Music Japan in August 2007. In June 2009 his second ukulele album in Japan, “Uke Wired” was release on Pony Canyon Records. He is an endorser of Paiste Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Remo Drumheads, and Koolau Ukuleles. Abe currently resides in Los Angeles, California USA.
