The son of a classic pianist and conductor, at 15 years old he was already a soloist with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra. With these solid classical foundations, he went on to study Jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston, returning to Brazil in 1979 to start his professional career.

Leo's music is inspired by both MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) and Jazz allowing his style to be both inventive and versatile. These characteristics mean that Leo is able to move with the times and his style stays fresh and current. Thanks to this Leo was elected an incredible fifteen years in a row “Best Brazilian Instrumentalist” by the journalistic pool of “Diretas na Música” from Jornal do Brasil - a leading Brazilian newspaper. Just one reflection of how highly respected Leo is as a musician in his native Brazil.

Leo has already released nine albums under his own name and has sold more than half a million records. He is today recognized as an icon in his genre. Leo’s music has also become popular with American audiences. Whilst living in the USA for several years, he developed a prominent career, including six sold out seasons at the Blue Note Club in New York City. Leo also became an integral part of the renowned band “Masters of Groove”, in company with legendary musicians Bernard Purdie, Grant Green and Rueben Wilson.

Gandelman returned to his roots in classical music during his last three years in the Big Apple participating as a soloist with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra in concerts at the Lincoln Centre and in Central Park. He also featured with the OSESP (São Paulo Symphony Orchestra), Ribeirão Preto Symphony Orchestra and Bahia Symphony Orchestra among others. In 2004, Leo was invited to play the Brazilian Independence Day Concert to President Lula and top dignitaries in the capital city Brasilia.

Back in Brazil Leo Gandelman developed a TV career hosting several Jazz shows on Brazilian national television. Leo has also made a name for himself in Brazilian cinema where he has produced a number of soundtracks. Leo was recognized with two awards for Best Film Score with the soundtrack to the movie “Garrincha, A Estrela Solitária”. Leo also continues to develop his music. In 2007, he released a tribute to the great Maestro Radames Gnattali, one of Brazil’s greatest composers, winning himself the TIM (Brazilian Grammy equivalent) for “Best Instrumental CD” and “Best Producer”.

Now Leo has his own new recording studios and label “Saxsamba”, the latest release being "Bossa Rara ", an elegant blend of Jazz, MPB, Acoustic and Electronic music featuring the iconic Brazilian musician Seu Jorge as a special guest. With Bossa Rara Leo is bringing his unique style to the UK for the first time. The album was released through the legendary Candid label in autumn 2007. Leo plans to visit the UK to perform in May 2009.

Website :- www.leogandelman.com.br