Laura Dreyer Quartet
Brazilian jazz quartet
Saxophonist, flutist, and composer Laura Dreyer is a vibrant, creative voice in the New York jazz scene. Her original compositions combine lyrical melodies with Brazilian rhythms and jazz impovisation, resulting in an exciting, contemporary palette of sound with a strong rhythmic twist. Her newest recording, “Vida. Arte. Amor.” (Mayimba Jazz) was recently recorded in Rio de Janeiro and features both Rio and New York-based jazz artists. Laura has released three previous CDs as a leader/producer, including Mysterious Encounter (Lavasphere), Free Flying Bird (Sony/Piloo), and Sax in the City (Apria), all of which are available on CDbaby.com and itunes.
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. A multi-instrumentalist, Dreyer is in great demand as a side-person. Audiences have heard her in the bands of such diverse artists as Dr. Billy Taylor, Dom Salvador, Antonio Adolofo, Helcio Milito, Portinho, Walter Bishop Jr., Mel Lewis, Robert Palmer, Nnenna Freelon, saxophonist/author James McBride, The Diva Jazz Orchestra, and many others.
Laura has headlined at the Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival, and The Syracuse Jazz Festival, as well as many NYC venues including The Blue Note, Fat Cat, The Antique Garage, Sweet Rhythm, Birdland, The Zinc Bar, The Bean Runner Cafe, and many more. She has additionally performed at clubs and festivals both nationally and internationally. Laura, who is also a renowned music educator, attended The Berklee College of Music in Boston, and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Empire State College. She has studied privately with saxophonists Joe Henderson and Joe Lovano, and composers Lyle Mays and Jim McNeely.
Pedro Giraudo Big Band
16-piece band led by Argentine-born composer/arranger/bassist Pedro Giraudo
Lezlie Harrison
Vocalist (jazz, blues, gospel, soul, The American Songbook)
Annette St. John
vocalist (R&B, jazz, standards)
Patrick Poladian
Vanisha Gould
Vocalist (jazz standards and originals)
