Introducing the dynamic new project Laura Dreyer and the Manhattan-Rio Connection—Água e Sol, a musical collaboration that seamlessly blends the rhythms of jazz with the vibrant flavors of Brazilian music. Led by the renowned saxophonist, flutist, and composer Laura Dreyer, the band also features the legendary Dom Salvador, a maestro of the Brazilian jazz piano tradition.
With roots deeply entrenched in both the cosmopolitan energy of New York City and the passionate grooves of Rio de Janeiro, this group presents a unique sound that crosses borders and celebrates both cultures. The project delivers a rich fusion of sophisticated jazz harmonies with the rhythmic intensity and melodic beauty of Brazilian music, offering a new perspective on the global jazz scene.
Laura Dreyer, a celebrated saxophonist, flutist, and composer, is known for her expressive musical storytelling and technical mastery. As a performer, she has captivated audiences worldwide, and her compositions combine the elegance of jazz with the spontaneity of Brazilian influences. Alongside her in this incredible musical journey is Dom Salvador, a legend in the Brazilian music world, whose piano artistry has shaped the sound of Brazilian jazz for decades.
The Manhattan-Rio Connection is a manifestation of Dreyer's lifelong passion for the synergy between American jazz and Brazilian music. It brings together an ensemble of highly skilled musicians who, under Dreyer's leadership, create music that transcends genres and introduces listeners to a sound that is as contemporary as it is timeless. The band's repertoire features eight original compositions by Dreyer, who is accompanied by a first class band of both New York and Brazilian based musicians including Dom Salvador (piano), Eduardo Mercuri (guitar), Gili Lopes (bass), Fernando Saci (percussion), and Dennis Bulhões (drums). Brazilian vocalist Jackie Ribas makes an appearance on Samba da Esperança, which was co-written by Laura Dreyer and lyricist Luiz Simas, and additionally Dreyer is joined by musicians Dario Eskenazi (keyboard) and Graciliano Zambonin (drums) on O Macao Azul, which was previously released as a single. With the band’s artistry and expert interpretation, the connection between these two distinct musical traditions is brought to life with virtuosity and flair.About Laura Dreyer: 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 Brazilian rhythms, jazz, and funk, 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 & the Manhattan-Rio Connection and is additionally in great demand as a side person. Audiences have heard her in the bands of such diverse artists as such as pianist Dom Salvador, Antonio Adolfo, Dr. Billy Taylor, Walter Bishop Jr., Mel Lewis, Robert Palmer, Nnenna Freelon, Lea Delaria, Leny Andrade, Portinho, Helcio Milito, saxophonist/author James McBride, Sherrie Maricle and the Diva Jazz Orchestra and, Mark Levine, as well as many others. Laura has recorded five albums as a leader/producer, including Mysterious Encounter (Lavasphere), Free Flying Bird (Sony/Piloo), Sax in the City (Apria), Vida. Arte. Amor (Mayimba Jazz), and her newest release Água e Sol (Lavasphere). She is also featured on acclaimed Brazilian pianist Dom Salvador’s 2011 release, The Art of Samba Jazz, which received a Premio da Musica Brasileira award for Best Instrumental CD. Laura Dreyer and The Manhattan/Rio Connection is a recipient of a 2024 grant from Chamber Music America’s Performance Plus program, funded through the generosity of the Doris Duke Foundation.
Laura Dreyer, a celebrated saxophonist, flutist, and composer, is known for her expressive musical storytelling and technical mastery. As a performer, she has captivated audiences worldwide, and her compositions combine the elegance of jazz with the spontaneity of Brazilian influences. Alongside her in this incredible musical journey is Dom Salvador, a legend in the Brazilian music world, whose piano artistry has shaped the sound of Brazilian jazz for decades.
The Manhattan-Rio Connection is a manifestation of Dreyer's lifelong passion for the synergy between American jazz and Brazilian music. It brings together an ensemble of highly skilled musicians who, under Dreyer's leadership, create music that transcends genres and introduces listeners to a sound that is as contemporary as it is timeless. The band's repertoire features eight original compositions by Dreyer, who is accompanied by a first class band of both New York and Brazilian based musicians including Dom Salvador (piano), Eduardo Mercuri (guitar), Gili Lopes (bass), Fernando Saci (percussion), and Dennis Bulhões (drums). Brazilian vocalist Jackie Ribas makes an appearance on Samba da Esperança, which was co-written by Laura Dreyer and lyricist Luiz Simas, and additionally Dreyer is joined by musicians Dario Eskenazi (keyboard) and Graciliano Zambonin (drums) on O Macao Azul, which was previously released as a single. With the band’s artistry and expert interpretation, the connection between these two distinct musical traditions is brought to life with virtuosity and flair.About Laura Dreyer: 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 Brazilian rhythms, jazz, and funk, 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 & the Manhattan-Rio Connection and is additionally in great demand as a side person. Audiences have heard her in the bands of such diverse artists as such as pianist Dom Salvador, Antonio Adolfo, Dr. Billy Taylor, Walter Bishop Jr., Mel Lewis, Robert Palmer, Nnenna Freelon, Lea Delaria, Leny Andrade, Portinho, Helcio Milito, saxophonist/author James McBride, Sherrie Maricle and the Diva Jazz Orchestra and, Mark Levine, as well as many others. Laura has recorded five albums as a leader/producer, including Mysterious Encounter (Lavasphere), Free Flying Bird (Sony/Piloo), Sax in the City (Apria), Vida. Arte. Amor (Mayimba Jazz), and her newest release Água e Sol (Lavasphere). She is also featured on acclaimed Brazilian pianist Dom Salvador’s 2011 release, The Art of Samba Jazz, which received a Premio da Musica Brasileira award for Best Instrumental CD. Laura Dreyer and The Manhattan/Rio Connection is a recipient of a 2024 grant from Chamber Music America’s Performance Plus program, funded through the generosity of the Doris Duke Foundation.
