Biography
New York-based multi-reedist, composer, arranger, and educator Laura Dreyer stands out as a skilled jazz artist whose recordings reflect a deep affinity for Brazilian musical traditions. Beyond her performances, she teaches at multiple camps and clinics while maintaining a faculty role at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School in Scarsdale. Originally from San Francisco, Dreyer pursued studies at both SUNY Empire State College and Berklee College of Music in Boston. She further refined her craft through private lessons with esteemed figures such as Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, Jim McNeely, and Lyle Mays. After moving to New York in the late '80s, she collaborated with artists including Rufus Reid, Mel Lewis, Hendrik Meurkens, Nnenna Freelon, and Lea Delaria. Her engagement with Brazilian rhythms and harmonies also connected her to pianist Dom Salvador, guitarist Romero Lubambo, pianist Weber Lago, drummer Portinho, and additional musicians.
Dreyer helped establish the all-female big band the Diva Jazz Orchestra, contributing on lead alto and tenor for six years and appearing on albums such as 1995's Something's Coming and 1997's Leave It to Diva. In 1999 she joined fellow Diva members drummer Sherrie Maricle, saxophonist Karolina Strassmayer, pianist Lorraine Desmarais, and bassist Nicki Parrott to form the quintet Five Play, which released the album On the Brink.
As a leader, Dreyer issued her debut recording, the bossa nova-tinged Mysterious Encounter, in 2000. Four years afterward she produced and performed on the female-centric jazz compilation Sax in the City. Her second album as leader, Free Flying Bird, arrived in 2011. In 2014 she released her third studio album, Vide. Arte. Amor, which was tracked in Rio de Janeiro.
Dreyer helped establish the all-female big band the Diva Jazz Orchestra, contributing on lead alto and tenor for six years and appearing on albums such as 1995's Something's Coming and 1997's Leave It to Diva. In 1999 she joined fellow Diva members drummer Sherrie Maricle, saxophonist Karolina Strassmayer, pianist Lorraine Desmarais, and bassist Nicki Parrott to form the quintet Five Play, which released the album On the Brink.
As a leader, Dreyer issued her debut recording, the bossa nova-tinged Mysterious Encounter, in 2000. Four years afterward she produced and performed on the female-centric jazz compilation Sax in the City. Her second album as leader, Free Flying Bird, arrived in 2011. In 2014 she released her third studio album, Vide. Arte. Amor, which was tracked in Rio de Janeiro.
Albums
