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David Laborier

David Laborier is an accomplished guitarist, composer, and arranger whose career spans performance, education, and recording. He studied jazz guitar at the Conservatoire de la Ville de Luxembourg, Berklee College of Music, and the Royal Conservatory of The Hague.

Currently, David serves as Professor of Jazz Studies and Head of the Jazz and Pop-Rock Department at the Conservatoire de la Ville de Luxembourg. His contributions to jazz education include the publication of his two-part jazz theory method Cogs and Wheels (2021).

As a recording artist and bandleader, David has released five albums under the WPR Jazz label. His big band project Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Band earned top honors in the Jazz category at the 2010 International Songwriting Competition. His album NE:X:T received two nominations at the 17th Independent Music Awards.

In 2025, David was nominated for a HIMAward in the Instrumental category for his composition The Smoothness of You, furthering his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. His single It’s Mine, was released on September 15, 2025, and won 2025 LIT Music Awards in 5 categories. He since released 2 further singles, I Don’t Think So and A Few Words, which both won 2026 LIT Music Awards. His current release Owl Skewl was released in April 2026.

David’s orchestral work includes collaborations with the Luxembourg Philharmonic and the Orchestre National de Jazz, both under the direction of Gast Waltzing. He has performed and arranged for numerous internationally acclaimed artists and was the touring guitarist for Angélique Kidjo’s Grammy-winning Sings symphonic performances, contributing arrangements to the celebrated project.

Awards

2010 International Songwriting Competition (Winner, Jazz Catergory)

2016 Grammy Awards (arranger, guitarist on Angélique Kidjo's "Sings" grammy winning album)

2019 Independent Music Awards (Nominee)

2025 Hollywood Independent Music Awards (Nominee)

2025 LIT Music Awards (Winner, 5 categories)

2025 International Songwriting Competition (3rd place, Jazz Category)

2025 Berlin Music Video Awards (Bronze Selection)

2026 LIT Music Awards (Winner, 5 categories)

David Laborier: David Laborier Trio

Read "David Laborier Trio" reviewed by Franz A. Matzner

by Franz A. Matzner
July 25, 2003

Yet another testament to the internationality of jazz, its diversity, and the vibrant place it maintains abroad, particularly in Europe, the David Laborier Trio’s self-titled release presents the work of three Luxumbourg based musicians, David Laborier (guitar), Jean Yves Jung (Hammond B3), and Jean Marc Robin (drums), with guest tenor saxophonist Erwin Vann performing on three of the tracks.

Though Laborier was schooled in the U.S., and has taught as well as toured there, both Jung and Robin received their ...