Morris, New York, most notable for his work as a soloist in Buddy Rich bands from 1967 to 1973.

[1][2][3] He moved to Toronto, Ontario in 1974, and is a member of the faculty at Humber College.

[1][2] La Barbera began working with Elvin Jones in 1975, touring Europe with him in 1979.

LaBarbera has played a major role in the development of a generation of Canadian saxophonists.

In 2000, he won a Juno Award for Best Traditional Instrumental Jazz Album for Deep in a Dream.