Born in Los Angeles California, Gabriel Nieves is a passionate and versatile saxophonist, flautist, clarinetist, composer, and educator based in New York City. He is committed to a dual path of artistic excellence and educational impact, performing internationally at the Panama Jazz Festival and the Jazz A La Calle Festival. Gabriel has performed with artists such as Nasheet Waits, Allison Miller, the One O’clock Lab Band, Miguel Zenon, Daniel Mayer, Bruno Bruni, and The Kira Daglio Fine Big Band.

Starting with the guitar at an early age, he made the transition to the saxophone at age fourteen and quickly progressed in the idioms of jazz and classical music. At the University of North Texas where he earned his B.M., he studied with saxophonist and educator Brad Leali. Gabriel then went on to pursue his M.M. at the New England Conservatory of Music where he studied with artists such as Jerry Bergonzi, Donny Mcaslin, Jason Palmer, Frank Carlberg, Nasheet Waits, and Jason Moran.

With a strong foundation in jazz and classical repertoire, as well as deep roots in the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico and the Cape Verdean Islands, Gabriel brings a unique cultural perspective to his original compositions. Gabriel Nieves is actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with diverse ensembles, engage meaningfully with the community, and inspire the next generation of musicians through thoughtful instruction.