Imelda Gabs: Jazz prodigy

Imelda Gabs is almost uncanny. It's fair to say that she was born with talent. Or why else is the Belgian's musical ability already so mature at the age of 19?

As the daughter of boogie-woogie pianist Doctor Gabs, Imelda was already sitting at the piano at the age of three. She has remained faithful to the instrument ever since. The young talent refined her piano playing at the Conservatoire de Lausanne. At home, she practiced jazz, swing and Latin - and sang to it.

At the age of 14, she performed with the well-known US organist Rhoda Scott. At the age of 17, Imelda Gabs founded "A Time To Remember", an association to support young artists, for which she received the Grand Prix Jeunesse from the city of Lausanne. In March, she took part in the Montreux Jazz Academy.

If you close your eyes at the 19-year-old's concert, you won't believe that a teenager is sitting at the piano. Her voice sounds far too mature, her piano playing too perfect. Imelda Gabs doesn't just like soft jazz. She can also groove. In an interview, the musician revealed: "It sounds stupid, but I also like symphonic metal."

IMELDA GABS
04.07.17, Montreux Jazz Festival
TICKETS