Alexis Hightower delivers passionate acoustic soul for “me-time,” be it bath-by-candlelight or a secluded iPod destination. The Tennessee-born singer was raised in a music-loving family in Los Angeles, and got her start performing in the late-nineties NYC café-poetry scene as a soulful muse for the poet Saul Williams. Alexis has shared stages with top-tier jazz musicians like Roy Hargrove, mesmerizing audiences with a dancer’s grace. Her earthy soprano recalls the twangy tones of Randy Crawford and the less-is-more crooning of fellow Cali chanteuse Goapele. Last month, Alexis released her Lucy’s Blues EP on iTunes. It’s a wonderfully intimate six-song collection that she wrote in late-night solitude at a piano in her Brooklyn home, then recorded with a five-piece band. The result is a feast of sexy, life-affirming ballads that will make you feel Alexis’s worldly woman blues deep down where it counts.—Sun Singleton

Get in tune with Alexis Hightower at AlexisHightower.com, her Facebook page and Twitter @A_Hightower_.

Welcome to INTRODUCINGEBONY.com’s showcase for the hottest independent artists bubbling up underneath the mainstream music industry! On a weekly basis, we’ll feature video visuals and info on some of the most talented artists around the country. Some of these singers and songwriters craft albums via GarageBand, while others use home or professional studios; they are rocking local open mics, performing locally, nationally and worldwide to bring their music to the masses. What do they have in common? Hunger, talent and drive. Now, EBONY.com’s INTRODUCING helps these indie artists spread their voices internationally! Music acts: email [email protected] to be considered!