Saxophonist, flutist, 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 side-person.
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, and composers Lyle Mays and Jim McNeely. 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, and the New York Pops Salute to Music Program.
She was a featured performer and educator in Busan, South Korea at The Friends of Music in Korea Music Festival, and is currently on the faculty of 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 of Reno, Nevada, Portland State University, The Jazz Improv Convention, and The California Jazz Conservatory.
In this episode, we talked about:
- Laura’s experience being one of the original band members in the Diva Jazz Orchestra
- Being a female jazz player; the differences from the ‘90’s – now
- How to decide on your “look”
- Preparing for jam sessions; 5 tunes you should know and her mindset tips
- Lead alto saxophone responsibilities in a big band
- Tips for authentically performing and composing Brazilian music
- Essential Brazilian musicians you should know (and Laura provided us with a free pdf!)
- and a lot more!
Links:
Website: https://www.lauradreyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauradreyerjazz
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lauradreyerjazz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauradreyerofficial/
You can watch the video of this interview HERE
Laura’s List of Essential Brazilian Musicians
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Kim Cypher is creating quite a stir on the jazz scene at present, emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting saxophonists, vocalists and composers and firmly securing a reputation for top quality, stylish, accessible jazz and musical entertainment.
In 2015, their love of effects and pedals had led Doug Levin and Aaron Janik to various corners of the six-stringed internet and back rooms of guitar centers, only to realize an unfortunate thing: There was nowhere to find information about effects and pedals from the perspective, or made for horn players. 
Doug Levin started playing saxophone at the age of 10. His earliest influences were guitar players like Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Steve Vai, whose sonic explorations would inform his love of effects and pedals. His love of music expanded and his broadening musical capacity led him to play with such greats as The Manhattan Transfer, Buddy Guy, and many more. His musical journey eventually took him to Oberlin College and Conservatory where he met his HornFX partner, Aaron Janik. 
Trumpeter, Educator, and HornFX Co-Founder Aaron Janik has been steeped in the discipline of music since the age of ten. The Massachusetts native’s earliest introduction to music is by way of revered New England trumpeter Jack Martin, whose expert tutelage molded Aaron into a well-rounded musician, fluent in all genres.
This episode is part 2 of a 2-part series with Antonio Hart. The 1st part, episode 86, was all about jazz history. You can check that out on our site saxophonepodcast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Multi-instrumentalist, Vocalist, Composer Camille Thurman 
In this episode, you are going to get a great Jazz History lesson. When I was getting my Master’s Degree at Queens College, I took a Jazz History course that I never forgot.
Doug Webb, a great saxophonist based here in Los Angeles,
New York Born and raised multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer, and songwriter, Augie Bello’s musical style is distinctly eclectic and incorporates elements of funk, pop, r&b, jazz and electronic music. Taking influence from artists including, Allen Stone, Michael Brecker, Mura Masa, Amy Winehouse, and multiple others has given him an extremely unique sound. 
This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing saxophonist and author, Katja Rieckermann.
Today’s guest is non-other than the young phenom, Alex Hahn, a multi-award winning saxophonist, educator and composer based in Los Angeles, California.