Allen Toussaint – Songbook – 2 CD Set
This is a pristinely recorded 2-disc set that includes live performances from Joe’s Pub in NYC (2009) of some of Allen Toussaint’s compositions, which were hit songs for countless mainstream artists. Allen recounts that he’ll perform some songs he’s written, some he wishes he’d written, & some he’s glad he didn’t. Toussaint was a giant in the music industry for decades, a respected composer, musician, producer & arranger from New Orleans.
Famous for many things throughout his career. One of his brightest spots was his horn arrangements for songs during The Band’s final concert, “The Last Waltz,” & on some of their studio albums. His between-song patter during his live show is enlightening & humorous. Many of Allen’s songs have been recorded by famous singers & musicians too numerous to mention.
Produced by Paul Siegel, the original LP was Grammy-nominated. This set includes 20 previously unreleased live & studio tracks. The first is a live 25-track (includes intros) Songbook (Drops May 29/Craft Recordings/Rounder/78:30), primarily with lots of jubilant piano & Allen’s warm vocals. As a listener peruses these tracks, many songs will pop out as familiar melodies that listeners may not have known Allen composed. So, the album becomes a welcome entertaining history lesson.
Allen was always able to straddle many musical genres. From a bluesy blend of jazz, funk & soul with colorful arrangements for orchestra & his signature piano, his style that never went out of style. Even in my youth, I thought he was a resourceful musician who simply understood what tugged the ear. From Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, to Dr. John & The Band.
A showcase of this size can be overwhelming for some, so like alcohol, it should be consumed in moderation so soulful appreciation can be achieved. Just about everything on this set is viable, delightful, & pure. In some cases, this is how those mainstream artists heard the Toussaint songs before they decided to take them to the charts. Some artists sing excellently, but they don’t write their own songs – get over it. This is why the music industry has wizards like Allen Toussaint, who was dependent on to deliver & he always did. Even Elvis Presley recorded a live “Working In the Coal Mine.”
CD #2 (67:43) offers previously unreleased live & studio tracks. Beginning with more of a middle-of-the-road fare — “What Do You Want The Girl To Do.” Allen asserts himself well despite the fact that he was never a lead singer who took center stage. Admitting, he depended on accomplished singers to elevate his material. There’s no denying his talent for melody & clever mainstream songs that were often accessible. Not all songs were commercial. Allen had some serious themes in his compositions (“Hi Lee Hi, originally recorded by Jerry Garcia) that fell outside the simplicity margins of pop music.
Paul Simon’s “An American Tune” is excellently rendered by Allen, who has proven his worth as a fine interpreter of other source material. There’s a spoken word track (“Early Days”) for purists interested in Allen’s history & how he developed from his musical youth. Who influenced him, who he listened to, who he befriended, borrowed from, & how these people came to shape his style. In light of Allen’s passing in 2009, this is an interesting, educational & fun interview at the piano.
“With You In Mind” — in this version it’s more soulfully controlled & a nice easy listening track. I could hear the late Frank Sinatra or even the late Gene McDaniels cover this. Their voices would have been ideal. For some late comers to this album, it will be surprising to learn that the infectious instrumental ‘60s hit by New Orleans trumpet player Al Hirt (“Java”) was another of Mr. Toussaint’s jewels. Like “With You In Mind,” the version of “Freedom For the Stallion” shines on CD #2. Sung with sincerity & flair.
The double-album is both a good introduction to a timeless artist & a document of his many achievements. Time to rediscover this musician & understand his sparkling contribution to popular music.
Highlights – CD # 1 – “It’s Raining,” “Brickyard Blues,” “Holy Cow,” “Get Out of My Life, Woman,” “Soul Sister,” “All These Things,” “We Are America/Yes We Can,” “Certain Girl Medley” & “Southern Nights.”
CD #2 – “What Do You Want The Girl To Do,” “Hi Lee Hi,” “An American Tune,” “Early Days,” “With You In Mind,” “River Boat,” “Java” & “Freedom For the Stallion.”
A 24pp stitched insert is included. Cover CD photo courtesy of Glade Bilby II. CD @ https://craftrecordings.com/products/allen-toussaint-songbook-2cd-deluxe-edition & https://concord.com/news/allen-toussaints-songbook-returns-in-an-expanded-reissue-and-vinyl-debut/