Queens Central Library celebrates the 50th anniversary. The Central Library opened on April 20, 1966 and we would like to celebrate 50 wonderful years with an amazing concert with Alexis Hightower.
Described by critics as “mesmerizing” (Ebony.com, 2013), Alexis’ Hightower’s chic sound is a sophisticated mix of classic jazz touched with the hip-hop and classic soul she was grew up on.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Alexis grew up in California and made the move to New York City during the heyday of hip hop, spoken word and neo-Soul in the 1990’s. A piano player and singer from a young age, Alexis’ search for her sound led to collaborations with emerging talents including Roy Hargrove, Kareem Riggins, Saul Williams and more. Alexis, who has headlined at venerated NYC venues including The Blue Note, The Bitter End, BAM Care and, made her European festival debut in Spain in 2001 at the San Sebastian Music Festival. That same year she released a self-produced EP, “Lucy’s Blues,” and later toured throughout Spain and Austria with her band. Alexis also traveled to Japan as a dancer for Afrobeat artist, Wunmi in 2004.
Girl Next Door, Alexis’ first full-length album contains nine (of ten) songs written by the singer and features performances by David Bowie’s Guitarist, Gerry Leonard, and trumpet front-man, Duane Eubanks-Hightower plays keys and additional parts. An ensemble-driven, ten-track journey through the life and times of a young artist, Girl Next Door is “ alluring…impressive…and imaginative” (Soultrain.com) Bloggers, aficionados, taste-makers and fans
agree – Alexis Hightower is an artist who is setting the course of modern soul music.