French 75  is named for a World War I cocktail, referring to a 75-millimeter French artillery gun, and originally made with cognac (now gin) and champagne. In addition to vocalist Maud Hixson, the jazz edition of French 75 includes leader/clarinetist Tony Balluff, saxophonist Gus Sandberg, guitarist Robert Bell, bassist Steve Pikal and drummer Nathan Norman, musicians who appear together in such local bands as the Bill Evans New Orleans Jazz Band, Café Accordion Orchestra, Southside Aces, Jack Brass Band and the Wolverines. Being conversant in many classic genres of jazz brings a rich palette of elements to Balluff’s original arrangements.  

Considered one of the area’s leading clarinetists, Tony Balluff  became seriously immersed in jazz when he met Bill Evans and began his tenure with Evans’ New Orleans Jazz Band in the late 1990s. Certainly one of the Twin Cities’ busiest performers, Tony currently plays not only with Evans but also with the Southside Aces, Creole Four (dedicated to the music of Sidney Bechet) and Patty and the Buttons (with accordionist Patrick Harrison). He’s also a frequent guest performer with area hot club bands and the Brass Messengers.  

One of the Twin Cities’ most popular songbirds, Maud Hixson has attracted a wide following as a talented interpreter of the great American songwriters. From her long-running duo with Arne Fogel to frequent appearances with the Wolverines and particularly in duo with husband Rick Carlson, Maud has brought the lyrics of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and more to life at the Dakota, Artists Quarter, and may other area venues. In late 2008, Maud made her New York debut at The Duplex with a cabaret show spotlighting songwriter Mickey Leonard; she returned (twice) to the Big Apple in early 2011 as part of a larger-scale salute to Leonard at the Metropolitan Room. In 2010, she performed with Erin Schwab in “Coward’s Women” at the Guthrie and with Lee Engele in “Chanteuse Diaries” at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center; she appeared in two of Arne Fogel’s “Hollywood Cabaret” shows at the Bloomington Center for the Arts in winter 2011.  

Milwaukee native Robert Bell did not pursue guitar professionally until his late 20s when he was pulled in by the music of Django. His interest in theater prompted the founding of the Bellcats. But it was his Django tribute shows in 2002 that led to weekly bookings at the Times Bar and ultimately to the formation of Twin Cities Hot Club. Robert is also a mainstay of the Southside Aces.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, saxophonist Gus Sandberg is heard around the metro as a member of the Jack Brass Band, with blues pianist Tom Hunter, and with singer/songwriter Lizzy Rain. Bassist Steve Pikal is probably best known for his long-standing tenure with the Wolverines. He recently returned to the Twin Cities following a six-month stint in San Antonio with the Jim Cullum band. Nathan Norman has an extensive resumé behind the trapset, performing with area artists including vocalists Debbie Duncan, Connie Evingson and Charmin Michelle. He’s also played and recorded with Bill Banfield, Nancy Bierma, Robert Huntley and more, and was a founding member of the Illicit Sextet. 
 
 If you’ve heard Maud Hixson at local clubs, undoubtedly you are familiar with her facility with French lyrics, a happy remnant of her first career as an interpreter, making her the perfect singer to front French 75. French, British or Americana, the music will swing in two languages. 

The Artists Quarter is located at 408 St Peter Street, in the lower level of the Hamm Building in downtown St. Paul. Free on-street parking and in the Macy’s Ramp on Sundays. Tickets at the door, $15/$13 Seniors and students/$12 TCJS members. Reprinted from the April 2011 issue of Jazz Notes.