Tony Hightower | Legacy

Jazzman Tony Hightower continues the road to his future Legacy with his second release

When an artist dedicates their recorded labor of love for a beloved family member, especially one who was highly impactful in their musical aspirations, the feeling can be quite mutual. Singer/songwriter/musician Tony Hightower fully recognized his mother Theresa Hightower (who passed in 2018) made a world of difference – professionally and personally. Her own legacy was widespread throughout the Atlanta area in various genres, especially as a jazz artist. So, it was natural for her son to embrace his mother’s jazz roots through his debut solo project, The New Standard in 2014. Just like his mother, Tony was performing through many genres through his wealth of influences from Phil Collins to Take 6 and his impactful mentor, Freddy Cole along with his brother Nat King Cole, evidenced by a voice that would defines his extraordinary elastic voice packed with the smooth and power. On a mission statement encouraging younger listeners to enjoy the R&B/soul flavors sprinkled with jazz sophistication, Hightower’s sophomore release Legacy on the appropriately named Hightower Legacy label fills the air with the inspirations of the Cole Brothers and more.

Two covers receive the sophisticated Hightower treatment; the first being the first single, “Can’t Hide Love,” a swinging rendition of Earth, Wind & Fire’s seventies smash hit. Then “Love and Happiness,” Al Green’s ultimate southern soul classic, completely flips into a bluesy boogie. Sassy big band drives “The Doll,” with an equally sassy trumpet solo. Going into acoustic mode, the bossa nova Rendez Vous is decorated with guitar, flutes and the guiro that generates a scraping sound adding a Latin kick. “The Gift” shifts to a contemporary ballad with the trumpet soloist matching Hightower’s suave vocal personality. Vocal icon Al Jarreau would be proud of “All to the Good,” as Hightower throws down a cool scat. Alongside the above tracks, the ultimate highlight belongs to “Plain Jane,” an R&B ballad rising to gospel music proportions as the narrative centers on one who carries a rock star burden: “I use to hope to be a big old famous rock star/And fell short of my dreams.” While Hightower’s impressive musicality certainly is treasured in the greater Atlanta area, Legacy should extend beyond his established fanbase, genuinely reflecting appreciation for his mother’s musical legacy.

Legacy becomes available November 5 on most digital outlets.

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene

MORE Music Reviews on T.U.M.S.!:

Kirk Whalum LIVE at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley - Seattle, Washington | October 26th, 2023
People Of Earth (PoE) | Self-Titled
Alex Acuña | Gifts
Musicologist A. Scott Galloway Reflects on the Last Concert He Experienced Before the COVID-19 Crisi...
Boney James | Solid
Keyboardist Jason Miles Big-Ups Black Icons with Black Magic
Second Outing from Corea McBride & Blade Finds Trio as Virtuous and Versatile as Ever
Stern and Lorber Find Equal Footing at Level Eleven
Poncho Sanchez | Trane's Delight
Jéssica Pina | Essência
Powerful Jazz Film "Bolden" Paints a Greater Socio-Political Story
New Orleans Offers Up A Sassy Blue Angel
Keiko Matsui Sends Out a Reflection of Beauty Personified with Echo
Dominican-based Singer Anthony Jefferson Swings On a Star in Sophomore CD All I Am
At 85, Shorter Soars With Epic Musical/Literary Mashup Emanon
Bob James Drops First Trio CD As A Leader in Over a Decade
Ramsey Lewis, Tower of Power, Anthony Hamilton and More Help Playboy Jazz Festival Turn 40.
Piano Wonder Joey Alexander's Third Outing Proves He's On The Path to Mastery
Walter Beasley - The Best of Walter Beasley | The Affable Years, Volume 1
Dr. Lonnie Smith | All in My Mind
Take 6 LIVE at Jazz Alley in Seattle, WA | Sept. 21st, 2017
Dee Dee Bridgewater Returns To Birthplace For Soul Food on Memphis...Yes, I'm Ready
Quincy Jones Hollywood Bowl Tribute Soars Individually Yet Coasts Collectively
Ohio Players Set Hollywood Bowl On Fire Opening For Dave Koz and Larry Graham
Boney James | Honestly
LaBelle Tries On Jazz Hat To Troublesome Effect
Damien Escobar | Boundless
Norman Brown | Let It Go
Christian Sands | Reach
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah | Ruler Rebel
The Baylor Project | The Journey
Miles Mosley | Uprising
Bob Baldwin | The Gift of Christmas
Celebrating the Passion of 13 Y.O. Jazz Pianist Joey Alexander
Marc Antoine | Laguna Beach
Love Fuels the Music of Piano Empress Aziza
Hide