Lisa Maxwell

A 30 Year Love Affair That Begins Anew Every Day. That’s how Lisa describes her relationship with music, especially jazz. Lisa Maxwell started performing as a vocalist in 1980’s at Jan Wallman’s in Greenwich Village and worked the NYC cabaret scene during the 1980s and early 1990s while at the same time working as a successful art director in the advertising business. During this period she also appeared at Judy’s, Don’t Tell Mama, Mr. Sam’s, Nell’s, La Cave, Tatou, and Danny’s Skylight Room. She studied voice with Guen Omeron, and Joyce Bryant. She was coached by Buddy Barnes, Rita Gardner, and Keith Ingham. She attended Herbert Berghof studios and was taught there by Rita Gardner, Carol Hall, and Richard Morse. She went on a hiatus when her son, Lake, was born in 1993. Lisa and her husband, jazz pianist George Newall, fellow advertising creative director and executive producer of Schoolhouse Rock, began collaborating in 2003 on what would become her first CD, “Return to Jazz Standards”. In 2007 Lisa was stricken with a rare neurological condition, “Bilateral vocal fold paralysis”. Lisa endured three surgeries before her voice finally returned in 2009. Late that year she had the opportunity to record two duets with the legendary Bob Dorough, available as singles on this site. Lisa & George were able to finish their collaboration released in July 2010, to much critical acclaim which inspired her to rejoin with her coach and accompanist, Keith Ingham from her performing days for her latest recording "Happy” released summer 2011. it is a collection of standards, and one brand new tune, "My Heart Goes With You" written by Nashville artist Tim O'Connell.