Gabriela Anders

Gabriela Anders absorbed Brazilian pop alongside the sounds of her Argentine homeland, later immersing herself in the United States where jazz and R&B textures shaped her vocal approach. Born to a jazz saxophone player, she began with classical guitar in childhood before shifting to piano studies at a conservatory in Buenos Aires. Extended stays in New York further deepened her connection to tenor masters John Coltrane, Stan Getz, and Dexter Gordon. While attending college she trained under Don Sebesky and started performing vocals alongside Grover Washington, Jr. and Tito Puente. A short period in Japan produced her debut recording, the 1996 album Fantasia issued under the name Beleza, after which she resettled in New York by 1997. Submission of a demo to Warner Jazz led to a contract, followed by the August 1998 release of Wanting.