Through his work as producer, composer, arranger and consummate session man, New Orleans native Allen Toussaint has truly earned — living-legend status. He's collaborated on landmark recordings for such artists as Ernie K. ... more »Doe, Lee Dorsey, Dr. John, the Meters, the
Pointer Sisters and Labelle and released acclaimed albums of his own. The 70 year-old pianist, already a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Inductee, was the recipient, on the recent Grammy Awards telecast, of the Recording Academy s prestigious Trustee Award, honoring a lifetime in the studio, both behind the scenes and in front of the mic. On The Bright Mississippi, his Nonesuch debut, Toussaint continues to break new ground with his first jazz-oriented set, displaying the same effortless swing and relaxed charm he brought to his classic rock and roll sides. He salutes Big Easy stars of a previous generation, the jazz greats who, in the early 20th century, built the genre from the ground up and turned the ears of the world to New Orleans.« less
Through his work as producer, composer, arranger and consummate session man, New Orleans native Allen Toussaint has truly earned
living-legend status. He's collaborated on landmark recordings for such artists as Ernie K. Doe, Lee Dorsey, Dr. John, the Meters, the
Pointer Sisters and Labelle and released acclaimed albums of his own. The 70 year-old pianist, already a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Inductee, was the recipient, on the recent Grammy Awards telecast, of the Recording Academy s prestigious Trustee Award, honoring a lifetime in the studio, both behind the scenes and in front of the mic. On The Bright Mississippi, his Nonesuch debut, Toussaint continues to break new ground with his first jazz-oriented set, displaying the same effortless swing and relaxed charm he brought to his classic rock and roll sides. He salutes Big Easy stars of a previous generation, the jazz greats who, in the early 20th century, built the genre from the ground up and turned the ears of the world to New Orleans.
CD Reviews
Elegant, lyrical and...funky.
jazzias | 04/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The 71-year-old piano icon fron New Orleans has a released a recording, which is simply dynamic, atmospheric and fizzing.
It's a pleasant amalgam of versions of classic compositions and jazz standards (ranging from Duke Ellington and Django Reinhardt to Louis Armstrong and Thelonious Monk) which sometimes make the listeners rise to their feet and feel groovy.
The theme is Toussaint's acknowledgement and affirmation of the artistic, historical and spiritual connections that have made New Orleans the powerful jazz force it has become over the past decades.
The renowned producer Joe Henry (who had already worked with Toussaint on the CD "The River In Reverse" with Elvis Costello), suggested he revisit the city's jazz era.
For the new recording, which provides a stimulating exploration of Allen Toussaint's unique talents, the "Moses of New Orleans" teams with a cast of heavy weight cats : clarinetist Don Byron, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, guitarist Marc Ribot and, on a track a piece, pianist Brad Mehldau and saxophonist Joshua Redman.
His piano versions of standards such as "Winin' Boy Blues" showcase his utter nonchalance and diplay that funk was always in the Big Easy's blood.
There are rhythms, which are elegant and infectious and spiritual, soulful vibes, in the spirit of a fine evening of Crescent City-inspired music.
The silky, lyrical piano touch and improvisational sweep from Toussaint can give even Herbie Hancock a run.
The results is a very enjoyable and relaxed listening: there was never any doubt Allen Toussaint's long awaited and almost first jazz solo album would be anything other than magnificent.
My favourite tracks: "Dear Old Southland", "West End Blues" and "Bright Mississippi".
Update. The album debuts at # 2 of the Billboard Top Jazz Albums.
Issue date: 2009-05-09
The Allen Toussaint Collection
The River in Reverse"
...just look at the line up...
T. Klaase | Orange Park, Florida United States | 05/04/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Talk about All Stars - look at all the wonderful musicians on this recording... One would be hard pressed to see Marc Ribot playing New Orleans-style anywhere else, although he did cover St. James Infirmary on his solo album "Saints"....
Oddly enough for me, I was more intrigued with the cast than Toussaint himself, but he's won me over with smart selections and lovely playing. Each song has that majestical new orleans feel that one can only understand having come from that environment.
Great job Nonsuch too - for recognizing the need for a project like this... 4 stars..."
I will be listening to this album for years
K. Blank | West Hartford, CT | 06/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Alan Toussaint has brought together a remarkable group of musicians for a warm lively jazz-blues masterpiece that makes me smile. He has delivered my favorite rendition of Bright Mississippi - Thelonius Monk's piece. This album transports me to New Orleans instantly."
Fresh take on traditional jazz
Annie S. Williams | Richmond, VA USA | 01/31/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I grew up with jazz in my house--live jazz from Dixieland greats like Eddie Condon, Marian McPartland, Zutti Sims and Wild Bill Davidson; all of whom played at my father's jazz festivals and on his recordings (Fat Cat's Jazz). This is the real deal...but a fresh take on the standards and others. Absolutely the best St. James Infirmary I've ever heard. The song selection and pacing are fantastic; everyone in our house loves it from the teenagers to the 50-somethings."
Almost missed this
David L. Lavallee | Peoria, Il United States | 01/20/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had recorded Allen Toussaint and his band on Austin City Limits recently. I was going through recordings I had not watched. I started to play it , and very nearly erased it. If I had I would have missed a real treasure. I watched the show twice through, and still play it at home. He ends the show with a long story about growing up in New Orleans and segues into his hit Southern Nights. The following Monday, I downloaded the album and have been playing it ever since in the office and the car, and have recommended it to several friends. Do yourself a favor and get this recording, you will not regret it."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1