New York-based multi-reedist, composer, arranger, and educator Laura Dreyer is a gifted jazz musician whose own recordings showcase her love of Brazilian musical traditions. When not performing, Dreyer instructs at various camps and clinics and holds a faculty position at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School in Scarsdale. Born San Francisco, Dreyer attended both SUNY Empire State College and Berklee College of Music in Boston. Outside of school, she further honed her skills studying privately with a handful of highly respected artists including Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, Jim McNeely, and Lyle Mays. After relocating to New York in the late '80s, Dreyer found work with such luminaries as Rufus Reid, Mel Lewis, Hendrik Meurkens, Nnenna Freelon, and Lea Delaria. At the same time, her dedication to the rhythms and harmonies of Brazilian music brought her into contact with artists like pianist Dom Salvador, guitarist Romero Lubambo, pianist Weber Lago, drummer Portinho, and others. Dreyer is a founding member of the all-female big band the Diva Jazz Orchestra, with which she played lead alto and tenor for six years, appearing on such albums as 1995's Something's Coming and 1997's Leave It to Diva. In 1999, she paired with fellow Diva bandmates drummer Sherrie Maricle, saxophonist Karolina Strassmayer, pianist Lorraine Desmarais, and bassist Nicki Parrott in the quintet Five Play for the album On the Brink. As a solo artist, Dreyer debuted in 2000 with the bossa nova-tinged Mysterious Encounter. Four years later, she produced and appeared on the female-centric jazz compilation album Sax in the City. Her second album as leader, Free Flying Bird, appeared in 2011. In 2014, Dreyer delivered her third studio album, Vide. Arte. Amor, which she recorded in Rio de Janeiro. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi