![]() ![]() The album title is taken from the 1973 Paul Simon song "American Tune," which Toussaint performs on the album. It was produced by Joe Henry and includes music from a 2013 solo session at the pianist's home studio in New Orleans and an October 2015 session featuring musicians Bill Frisell, Charles Lloyd, Greg Leisz, Jay Bellerose, and David Piltch, with special guest vocalist Rhiannon Giddens and pianist Van Dyke Parks, recorded in Los Angeles the month before Toussaint died. Songbook is exceptional, and should produce an avalanche of critical awards.American Tunes is the final recording from New Orleans jazz and R&B pianist Allen Toussaint, released on Nonesuch Records on June 10, 2016. ![]() Included is a 1974 black and white photograph of Toussaint and Dr. The insert booklet (which came with the CD/DVD edition) has incisive liner notes by Ashley Kahn and song notes by Paul Siegel. ![]() Additionally there is a partial performance of “Lover Of Love”. There is a terrific discussion about the sessions for “Mother-In-Law”. There are extras of both studio and backstage interviews. Somehow this flowing, relaxed version (with a lengthy anecdotal introduction) rescues the song from the glitzy, honky-tonk version. The final number is “Southern Nights”, which was a huge hit for Glen Campbell. ![]() What makes his performance excel is the gospel feel. Doo-wop is represented on ”All These Things”. Toussaint delivers a resonant instrumental of “St. Jazz has always been an integral part of this region’s musical heritage. Other New Orleans based compositions (“Shrimp Po-Boy Dressed”, “I Could Eat Crawfish Everyday”) deal with the cultural themes of The Crescent City. “Certain Girl/Mother-In-Law/Fortune Teller/ Working In The Coal Mine” is unique, as the transitions between tunes is unnoticeable. There is a great medley (and medleys are often very mediocre) that captures the historical context. Toussaint’s connection to New Orleans’ music scene is important. “Get Out Of My Life, Woman” is pure bluesy soul, and his version (there have been many recorded) is exceptional. His material was covered by many r&b groups. Even on lighter material like “Holy Cow” he manages to insert some jaunty solos. He offers brief commentary between songs, and has a self-assured stage presence. But it’s his barrelhouse piano licks that steal the spotlight. Toussaint’s voice has a mellow high register tone. Opening the video set is a funky, down home version of the Lee Dorsey hit, “Who’s Gonna Help Brother Get Further”. His set reflects the vast career of this legendary musician. The result is a veritable historical document of New Orleans music. Piano trills, chord transitions, and complex, stylistic riffs flow from the Steinway. Shifting from straight blues to doo-wop, from gospel to r&b, his piano technique is soulful and tastefully presented to an adoring audience. If this was merely a piano recording, it would be brilliant. Comprised mostly of original compositions that have been recorded over the years by different artists, Toussaint breathes new life into these numbers. Recorded live at Joe’s Pub in New York City, this is a masterful solo performance. James Infirmary Shrimp Po-Boy Dressed Soul Sister All These Things We Are America/Yes We Can The Optimism Blues Old Records Certain Girl Medley: Certain Girl/Mother-In-Law/ Fortune Teller/Working In The Coal Mine It’s A New Orleans Thing I Could Eat Crawfish Everyday There’s No Place Like New York Southern NightsĮxtras: Studio interview Backstage interviewįor those unfamiliar with New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint, Songbook will make them a fan. TrackList: Who’s Gonna Help Brother Get Further Sweet Touch Of Love Holy Cow Get Out Of My Life, Woman St. Featuring Allen Toussaint, piano & vocals ![]()
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