Primary Instrument: Vocal
Presented as “Best New Voice” at the Twin Cities Winter JazzFest in 2003, Maud has since become a favorite with audiences and musicians in clubs, concerts, and festivals. A native of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, her work as a bandleader, and with groups such as the Wolverines, Twin Cities Seven, the JazzMN Big Band, the Mouldy Figs and the Twin Cities Hot Club has established her as a versatile performer.
She is the recipient of two Artist Initiative grants. The first enabled her to attend the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University in 2006. The second sparked the creation of the first one-person show of the compositions of Mickey Leonard (musical direction/arrangements by Tex Arnold, direction by Erv Raible, vocal coaching by Laurel Massé and Shirley Callaway). This show was presented in December, 2008 at the Duplex in Greenwich Village, and marked her New York City debut. These activities were made possible in part by grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Awards:
Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grants: 2006, 2008“Maud brings the intimacy of cabaret and the tonality and swing of jazz’s finest storytellers to the stage, making her somewhat of an oddity among vocalists---someone who focuses your attention to lyric without letting go of the clarity of melody. Or the riches of some of the unexplored regions of the Great American Songbook.” --Andrea Canter, JazzInk
“Minnesota native Maud Hixson has gained notice for her smooth, velvet-lined voice and natural way with a lyric.” --Adam Feldman, TimeOut New York
“One of Minnesota's best jazz singers.” --Will Shapira, Mississippi Rag
“If Maud Hixson were a dish (which, by the way, she is) the recipe would go like this: Start with a generous portion of Doris Day, fold in some Peggy Lee, add a dollop of Blossom Dearie and top off with a pinch of Nancy LaMott. Listen attentively, serve immediately.” --Michael Leonard, composer (”I'm All Smiles”, “Why Did I Choose You?”)
“I think she's the new Peggy Lee; a young singer out of the Midwest. If you like cool, artful storytelling in jazz, check her out!” --Amanda McBroom, singer/songwriter (”The Rose”)
“A rich and lovely voice, a tasteful and tuneful piano, and an ample supply of standards. What else could you want? Every time I hear Maud Hixson sing, I like her more. Thoughtful, subtle, sophisticated music.” --Pamela Espeland, MinnPost
“Maud swings effortlessly, embracing the lyric as well as the melody...she can literally whisper on pitch...she gives each song her undivided heart.” --Andrea Canter, JazzInk
“Hixson takes the stage with unadorned stillness. Her voice has the sophistication of silver satin, a cool sexiness that's absolutely in control of the situation. Doing the clever banter of Gershwin or Cole Porter, she sounds the way Grace Kelly looks.” --Lydia Howell, the Minneapolis Observer
“Maud has the most perfect voice I’ve ever seen for a small room”ever! She does things that I fantasize about doing.” --Tovah Feldshuh, actress and cabaret performer
“There are several reasons why Maud Hixson's special...among them is her legitimate, lifelong devotion to the music she's chosen to perform. She's not just attaching herself to the latest musical fad; she's totally immersed herself in the culture and lore of the art. Her knowledge of songs is infinite, her intonation and musicality are irresistibly and immediately appealing to the ear, and her grasp of this music's special language is pure genius.” --Arne Fogel, vocalist
“Maud has a warm rich voice that reminds me of butter and caramel, but what she does with it is truly unusual in this day and age: she sings the song! She is not about flash and pyrotechnic displays. She chooses great material and is true to the lyric and melody. These things become superfluous in the hands of a singer concerned only with showing herself off, but Maud caresses a melody and delivers a lyric honestly and straight from the heart--pure and elegant!” --Prudence Johnson, vocalist
