Maud Hixson © Andera Canter

“Maud seems to have taken the Cole Porter line in the song ‘Now You Has Jazz’ to heart, as she has found ‘a spot, cool and hot’ from which to present her musical persona: The cool, even phrasing and temperament of the post-modern movement meets the subtle yet insistent swing of the original stylists of the 20s, 30s and 40s. ‘Cool and Hot’ indeed.” – Arne Fogel

In a relatively short time, vocalist Maud Hixson has become one of the Twin Cities’ most popular songbirds. From her long-running duo with Arne Fogel to her frequent appearances at area swing dance venues, Maud has attracted a wide following, appealing to anyone who enjoys hearing—and feeling—the lyrics of the great American songwriters. Last November, with husband/pianist Rick Carlson, she released a CD of favorite and newly discovered tunes in the intimate context of the duet, Love’s Refrain, which topped many area “best of the year” lists. On July 9^th, Maud brings her eclectic and swinging repertoire to the Dakota in downtown Minneapolis in the stellar company of Rick Carlson, Gordy Johnson and Phil Hey, surely one of musical joys of the summer season.

Rick Carlson © Andera Canter

Growing up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Maud Hixson “always enjoyed singing… listening to everything around me and making up words to songs I already knew.” Seeing on television the musical films of the 30s and 40s introduced her to such stars as Judy Garland, Doris Day, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra. Eventually she fell in love with the music of the Gershwins, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Rodgers and Hart. Although she did take a few formal voice lessons, Maud notes that “my education has mostly come from studying recordings and live performances.” Listening to Prairie Home Companion was one of those sources of inspiration, as was a performance by Jimmy Scott and her encounters and ultimate collaborations with Arne Fogel (whom she first heard on MPR’s Arne Fogel Presents) and Wolverines’ pianist Rick Carlson—who became her husband. One of the most active singers in the Twin Cities, Maud performs regularly with the Wolverines (big band and trio), performed in a celebrated duo with Arne Fogel; and has appeared at many area music venues, including The Times, Rossi's Blue Star Room, the Dakota, Cue, Dakota County Steakhouse and aboard the Minnesota Zephyr. She’s also become one of the favorites of the area swing dance community. In 2006, Maud was selected to participate in the famed Cabaret Conference at Yale University.

Maud and Rick met at the Times in 2001. They began listening to music together, seeking out buried treasures. “We love nothing more than being able to unearth something we think is valuable and perform it the next night; to get it out into the air and hear an audience reacting to it again. Being able to do this inspires us and gives us a great outlet for our musical tastes.”

Maud’s previous recordings include the demo Small Batch and the duo recording with Arne Fogel, Let’s Not Be Sensible. Love’s Refrain is her first full-length solo release. And it was a couple of ardent fans who prompted the CD project. Notes Maud, “For my first time in the studio, in 2004, I sang for a couple of hours with Rick. Some of what we recorded that day became my demo, Small Batch. We were so excited about it and released it instantly, forgetting to put my name on the cover, but people really liked it, and kept asking for more of the same. Last year, a couple of fans [Bob and Pat Mall] approached us, wanting to produce this CD, specifically asking for ‘another Small Batch.’ It was also the perfect follow-up to my experience at the 2006 Cabaret Conference at Yale.”

Gordon Johnson © Andera Canter

A live performance, of course, is the best way to enjoy this music. Joining Maud at the Dakota:

Rick Carlson taught himself to play the piano by listening to the canons of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. In addition to his long-standing role with the Wolverines, Rick has opened for Rosemary Clooney; has recorded and/or played with Charmin Michelle, Sue Tucker, Christine Rosholt, Arne Fogel, and, of course, Maud. Recent projects have included holding the keyboard duties for two Twin Cities Jazz Society “Jazz From J to Z” concerts—“My Shining Hour” (tribute to Harold Arlen) starring Christine Rosholt, and his “Keepers of the Basie Flame” revue featuring seven of the area’s top vocalists. He also served as narrator and pianist for a salute to Duke Ellington at the Bloomington Arts Center this past spring.

Phil Hey © Andera Canter

A former student of Ed Blackwell, Phil Hey is one of the busiest drummers in town (he plays with everyone!) and teaches jazz drum at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota. He’s toured with the late Dewey Redman, currently with Stacey Kent, and performed with Kenny Barron, Charlie Rouse, Benny Carter, and Benny Golson. Phil leads his own esteemed quartet, appears with the Eric Dolphy tribute ensemble, the Out to Lunch Quintet, and Pete Whitman’s X-Tet, and is frequently on the bandstand with visiting national artists. His 2005 release, Subduction, topped many “best of the year” lists.

All this talent on stage for a mere $5 cover! See you at the Dakota on Wednesday night, July 9^th.

The Dakota is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis; www.dakotacooks.com; 612-332-1010. Visit Maud Hixson online at www.maudhixson.com

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites