Saxophonist, flutist, pianist, and composer Laura Dreyer is a vibrant, creative voice in the New York jazz scene. Her catchy original compositions combine lyrical melodies with jazz, Brazilian rhythms, funk, and rock, resulting in an exciting, contemporary palette of sound with a strong rhythmic twist. A multi-instrumentalist, Dreyer performs both nationally and internationally with her Brazilian Jazz ensemble, “Laura Dreyer and the Manhattan/Rio Connection,” while additionally being in great demand as a sideperson. Audiences have heard her in the bands of such diverse artists as Dr. Billy Taylor, Dom Salvador, Helcio Milito, Portinho, Bossa PDX, Walter Bishop Jr., Mel Lewis, Robert Palmer, Nnenna Freelon, saxophonist/author James McBride, “The Diva Jazz Orchestra, and many others. Laura has recorded four CDs as a leader/producer, including Mysterious Encounter (Lavasphere), Free Flying Bird (Sony/Piloo), and Sax in the City (Apria), and Vida. Arte. Amor. (Mayimba Jazz). She is also featured on acclaimed Brazilian pianist Dom Salvador’s newest release, The Art of Samba Jazz, which received a Premio da Musica Brasileira award for Best Instrumental CD. Laura attended The Berklee College of Music in Boston, and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music form SUNY Empire State College. She has additionally studied with saxophonists Joe Henderson and Joe Lovano, composers Lyle Mays and Jim McNeely, and pianist Dennis Kaufman. She is active as a music educator, having served on the faculties of the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Clinics, Cazadero Music and Arts Camp, Jazz Camp West, Village Community School, Riverdale Country School, and The New York POPS PopsEd program. Laura regularly conducts clinics and workshops at high schools and colleges, which have included Berklee College of Music, The University or Reno, Nevada, Portland State University, The Jazz Improv Convention, and The California Jazz Conservatory. For more information, please visit lauradreyer.com