Maggie Laird is a vocalist, pianist, and award-winning songwriter living on Vashon Island, in the heart of the waters of Washington state. She and her band perform festivals, nightclubs, theatres and cafes in the greater Northwest including venues in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland and Eugene.
Last year Maggie traveled to Nashville to record her first solo EP, One More Manhattan, a 5-song collection of originals. Released to a standing-room-only crowd at the Skylark in Seattle, the album is receiving rave reviews:
"One More Manhattan unveils Laird's versatility, from vocal jazz to country to pop. Laird balances it all with a soulful, sexy vocal style and stellar instrumentation from her top-drawer band."
-Jim Olin, All About Jazz
"One More Manhattan vividly showcases Laird's knife-sharp musical and artistic skills. Her ability to convey emotions in to every song is a testament to her combination of talent and experience. This EP is so captivating one plays the five tracks repeatedly".
-Stacey Zering, No Depression
Scott Yanow, author of numerous books including The Jazz Singers, sums up Maggie's style this way: "Her music can be thought of as jazz with a pop sensibility, displaying her roots in rock, pop, cabaret and the theatre while always having the spirit of jazz."
Since 1999 Maggie has been vocalist for the acclaimed Island Jazz Quintet, whose recordings garnered extensive national and international airplay. Her touring shows have taken her to national and international locations, including Mexico and China, and feature her music as well as the works of Kurt Weill, Peggy Lee, and the Gershwins. Reviewing a Philadelphia appearance, Rich Rubin of Quince Productions writes: "Maggie Laird is one of the most talented cabaret performers Philadelphia has been lucky enough to see in recent years. With her impeccable musical abilities and uniquely quirky presence, she fills the stage with humor, drama, and magic."
