Alexis Hightower was born in Nashville, Tennessee, raised out West, and lives in New York City. Her definitive and soulful style combines the rich melodies of Country Blues, the innovative spirit of live jazz, and the lyrical urgency of the urban poets of hip hop. Though her music defies categories, Alexis Hightower's live hip hop and jazz artistry has earned her praise and fans across musical lines. Genres and categories notwithstanding, Alexis is at heart a musician.
It was the discovery of the musical contributions of Ellington and Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, that made her decide to study music the old fashioned way: in the clubs of New York City.
From the beginning it was clear that Alexis' music was a brand new spin on old soul. Her Birdland debut found the young performer eagerly embraced by New York's hip hop and poetry scenes. Soon she found herself collaborating with a diverse range of artists, from poet/actor Mums, formerly of H.B.O.'s "Oz," to opening for soul griot and hip hop pioneer, Gil Scott Heron, at S.O.B's. Her gifts were also quickly recognized by her peers in the world of jazz. She has worked for Roy Hargrove as the girl-singer in his big band, and her own 17-piece musical arrangement was performed live at a recent National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, Georgia.
Alexis Hightower's unique blend of old school soul, new school energy, and live instrumentation, has earned her respect in a host of musical circles. She had performed at Joe's Pub in New York City, sharing the bill with Bronx rhyme-crew, Universes, and she opened the stage for master singer, Bobby McFerrin, at the San Sebastian music festival in Spain. In the summer of 2001, Heineken International sponsored Miss Hightower and her band on two European tours where her she was dubbed as "the sweet promise" by the press.
The summer of 2003 saw Alexis Hightower's return to Europe as the opening headliner for the 10th Annual Mumyhua Music Festival in Southern Austria, Alexis was in the spotlight on the Austrian National News Television, and her music was praised as "seductive," and "enchanting" by the German language press.
Alexis Hightower looks forward to continued travels with her band as well as building her repertoire as a singer, writer and performer. What the future holds for this "sweet promise" is undoubtedly more soul shaking and heart felt music.
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