from "NOEN Daily News," Austria, Friday, August 14, 2003, English Translation
"Alexis Hightower in Pfalzau" by Burkhardt Weigl
New York Soul. With 16 years of age, the young singer Alexis Hightower
left home. In the clubs of New York she blossomed into one of the hopes
of her generation in jazz and soul. How does a young soul singer from
New York come to Pfalzau to play a concert in this neck of the woods?
Of course. Wolfgang Ambros was behind this, who promised to organize concerts
like this every year at Villa Kunterbunt from now on.
The two met two years ago during the anniversary tour of Wolfgang Ambros at Theater an der Wien. "We talked a little back stage," says Alexis Hightower about her first contact. When she was hired to perform at Jazzfest Mumyhua this year, Ambros took advantage of the opportunity and got her a second gig in front of selected industry people.
And celebrities came aplenty. OE3 Program Director Marion Benda, Rock Singer Joni Madden, Guitarist Andy Cutic, Beat4Feet Producer Martin Gellner, and many others. Real music insiders made a second connection of Wolfgang Ambros with the Hightower band: Ambros recorded his much praised Tom Waits CD with bassist George Farmer, son of Art Farmer.
On this evening, Alexis was the focal point and she used the opportunity
to become known in Austria. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, the singer and
songwriter fascinated the audience with her tranquil, soulful style which
combines the melodic richness of country blues with the innovative spirit
of live jazz. Role models like Ella Fitzgerald motivated her to study
music where you can do that best: in the clubs of New York. Her sound
reminds you of Alicia Keyes or Sade Adu, and it mixes soul with energetic
modern R&B. She already shared the stage with legends like Gil Scott
Heron and Bobby McFerrin. When asked about a possible future musical collaboration,
Wolfgang Ambros replied "Never say never."