THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, January 26, 1997              TAG: 9701230120
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST          PAGE: 10   EDITION: FINAL 
COLUMN: BEACH BEAT 
SOURCE: John Harper 
                                            LENGTH:   38 lines

AN OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR JAZZ ALL WINTER LONG

Outer Banks audiences are in for a real treat as one of its favorite singers, Laura Martier, settles in for a long winter's stay at Ocean Boulevard restaurant in Kitty Hawk.

But believe me, no one will be napping. The Laura Martier group, featuring drummer Dan Martier, guitarist Woody Beckner and bassist Randall Farr, demands attention with its smooth, seductive presentation of jazz standards by such artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Dinah Washington.

The Manteo-based Martier has been hip-hopping to regular gigs at the Dumbwaiter in Norfolk and St. Marks in New York City's East Village. And her 1996 debut CD, ``Laura Martier and Woody Beckner,'' has sold well.

On May 8, Martier will make her Chrysler Hall debut in Norfolk as the featured vocalist with the United States Army Orchestra.

Martier will perform the next three Fridays - into February - at Ocean Boulevard. Eddie Williams, the sax player who backs her for the Norfolk dates, brings his trio to town for the next two Friday night jazz sessions at the Kitty Hawk eatery. ILLUSTRATION: Photo

Laura Martier

Leads jazz group

Graphic

AT A GLANCE

WHO: Laura Martier Group

WHERE: Ocean Boulevard restaurant, milepost 2 on the Beach Road.

WHEN: Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and 14.

For more information: Call 261-2548.