On April 9, New York saxophonist Laura Dreyer comes to Baltimore for the first time, leading a top-flight quartet of world wise recording and performing artists. Their program demonstrates the special sound that Brazilian jazz has developed in the New York jazz scene. Dreyer was born and raised in the U.S. on the West Coast. Known widely as a saxophonist, flutist and composer, she has pursued her passion for Brazilian music for over 20 years while also cutting a strong career path in American jazz. Today she combines her vast experience as a jazz musician with her passion for Brazilian musical styles. Appearing with her are renowned German pianist, composer and arranger Klaus Mueller with virtuoso seven-string bassist Leonardo Lucini and his brother, drummer Alejandro Lucini, from Rio de Janeiro.

The program features original contemporary Brazilian jazz, as well as arrangements of Brazilian jazz classics. Dreyer’s compositions combine catchy, lyrical melodies in a variety of Brazilian styles such as samba, bossa nova, baião, afoxé, maracatu, partido alto, and more. Music lovers will hear Dreyer’s “Caminhos Novos,” which means “New Paths” in English. The composition is inspired by the “Pagode” samba style, and captures the enthusiasm and positivity characteristic of this style of samba. Listeners may recognize the funky samba “Bronx,” composed by popular Brazilian composer and pianist Tania Maria in the 1980s when she lived in New York. Equally engaging is the Dreyer original “O Macaco Azul,” or “The Blue Monkey.” The tune is a “Baião,” a rhythm from the Northeast of Brazil. Legendary Brazilian composer Luiz Gonzaga created the style. Listeners will love the popular baião called “Ponteio.” Composed by Brazilian songwriter Edu Lobo at the height of bossa nova fever, the tune won Best Song at the third Festival de Música Popular Brasileira.

An die Musik Live is located at 409 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Shows begin at 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $ 17 in advance, $20 at the door and $10 for students with I.D. Reserve a seat by visiting www.andiemusiklive.com.