Singer Maud Hixson made her New York debut in a one-woman cabaret show last year spotlighting the music of composer MIchael Leonard, thanks in part to a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Her repertoire is focused on the works that enjoyed mainstream popularity in the early to mid-20th century. Her devotion to the songs of this era and her approach to performing prompted modern songwriting poet Amanda McBroom (“The Rose”) to observe: “I think she’s the new Peggy Lee.” In addition to her work in jazz, cabaret and concert venues, she makes her theatrical debut in March, 2010 in the Guthrie Theater’s upcoming presentation “Coward’s Women”.
Her most recent recording project included working with legendary trumpeter Warren Vaché, who said “Maud sounds wonderful. Strong and sure and musical”. Her affinity for recording is evident on her solo debut CD “Love’s Refrain”, as well as her previous release with singer Arne Fogel, both enjoying airplay locally, on various XM and Sirius satellite radio programs, the “Singers and Swing” MusicChoice cable television channel, and elsewhere nationwide.
Maud Hixson is a native of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. After being presented as “Best New Voice” in 2003 at a local jazz festival, she decided to quit her job as a French interpreter for Northwest Airlines to become a full-time musician. Though music had been an avocation all her life, she was inspired to pursue a professional career after seeing singer Jimmy Scott perform at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2001. She has since worked with a wide array of musicians and groups such as the Wolverines, JazzMN Big Band, Twin Cities Seven, Mouldy Figs, Twin Cities Hot Club, and French 75.
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