Customer Reviews

Allen Toussaint Collection

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a fine introduction to an American master. From his songwriting,to his piano work,to his soulful voice and his art with arrangements Allen Toussaint is a top line talent. As another said, he has produced too many New Orleans legends to name as well as offering up masterful arrangements to The Band (check out the horn parts on Rock Of Ages). If you don't know his work-start here and then work your way out.

This album overflows with soul and many tracks can be called "funky" without causing more fatigue to a word that is grossly over used. Listen to "Soul Sister" and tell me it's not one of the funkiest songs you've ever heard. It almost demands a shaking of one's hindquarters. "Last Train","From A Whisper To A Scream" and "What Do You Want The Girl To Do?" are also standout tracks but there is considerable depth beyond that. The only weakness this cd has is that tracks 11-15 don't live up to rest of the album. This is a minor weakness as these lesser tracks also have their ways plus they represent a part of his career that demanded inclusion on this period retrospective. Still,this would have been a 5 star release if they somehow could have fit more of his top shelf stuff in place of these noticably weaker tracks.

I would bet that this cd will create in you,as it did for me,a desire to track down his other work. That's all that matters. You can never have too much soul...

Lord have mercy, if you have not exposed yourself to the wonderful understated genius of Mr. Allen Toussaint, do yourself (and your soul) a favor and pick this record up immediately! This has enough funky bass, sweet singing, and soulfulness to keep you happy for a long time. At least till you can get your hands on more of his work. Sadly, much of his solo records are deleted from the original labels they came out on, but you can still acquire much of the original albums these wonderful songs came out on if you're willing to search.

Most folks will know "Southern Nights"...I wasn't sure where from though. Turns out, Glen Campbell of all people had a hit with it in the 70s. But look here for the definitive version. As a matter of fact, Mr. Toussaint's songs have been covered by innumerable artists, and i'm yet to hear anyone better his own version of anything! Fans of Boz Scaggs "Silk Degrees" album will recognize "What Do You Want the Girl To Do"...but brace yourself...this is how the tune was always meant to be delivered! SOUL baby!

Although Toussaint is a MASTER of the piano, and his barrelling and funky rhythms undoubtedly are the bedrock on which all this killer material originates, please make sure you pay attention to the SONGS! I know that's somewhat of a rare distinction nowadays, but this guy has the craft, skill, execution, arranging knowhow that few people are lucky enough to mine once, let alone for the dozens and dozens of hits associated with Mr. Toussaint (he wrote hits and produced for Lee Dorsey, Dr. John, the Meters and countless other Nawlins cream of the crop).

Anyway, before I run out of room, i must tell you to look into this cat and all he's done, and you'll see why he's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I'm TOTALLY embarrassed and ashamed that he isn't even MORE revered and known to the masses. But that kinda makes it sweeter, when you feel like you've discovered a treasure that no one else knows about...but those in the KNOW do!

Oh yeah, the songs: From A Whisper to a Scream, What Is Success, Am I Expecting Too Much, On Your Way Down, Soul Sister, Country John, Last Train, Southern Nights,What Do You Want the Girl To Do, You Will Not Lose, Night People...it's an increadible run of an album...you have to get to track 12 before you even slow down, and even then, they're still great and his smooth voice will win you over even when the production is a bit, shall we say, 80s? Don't fret, if you like music at all, especially soul, rock, funk, hell even country, it's all evident here, and you'll get the rare opportunity to witness GENIUS in it's most pure and understated form on one fantastic CD. GIT IT NOW!

What a piece of work. This CD is by far one of the most romantic and happiest sound of N.O music. I love it! This is the first CD both my kids and I enjoy listening to everytime we're in the car. Then at night, I select certain songs to add atmosphere for the evening. This was a really smart buy and a real treasure.

Heres a New Orleans artist that should be in everybodies collection. Allen Toussaint is a record producer, arranger, songwriter, musician and occasional performer. He produced the horn charts for The Band, worked with McCartney and The Meters. These 16 tracks are taken from his best albums, which all date from the 1970's I believe.

The first two tracks are from "Whisper to a scream". Amongst the backing musicians are Dr John and John Boudreaux. "What is success" (track 2) is a great soulful track where you can hear a little of Allen's underrated Piano playing. The vocal and brass arrangements are superb and give the track a distinctive sound all of its own, and it remains my favourite on the album. Tracks 3-5 are from the album "Life, Love and faith". Tracks 6-10 are from "Southern Nights" and the remaining tracks are from the album "Motion". Southern Nights is the other stand-out track for me. A beautiful melody with a vocal that sounds as though its been put through some sort of electronic effect.

Theres no weak tracks on this collection and the only think better than owning this is to go and buy the original albums. Now I wonder how much they are....

The music grabs your soul and just won't let go.Open your mind and chill out with Allen Toussaint.

If everyone who plays music today were to come to town on the same night and I had to pick just one to go hear, it'd be Allen Toussaint (sorry, Keith; sorry, Van). A magnificent songwriter, Toussaint has extended the rich traditions of classic New Orleans r&b without ever abandoning his roots in them; he also is an absolutely brilliant pianist and a distinctive, captivating singer. This album includes 16 of the strongest recordings he made for Warner Brothers in the '70s, when he was at the top of his game. "What Do Want the Girl to Do?" (which has been covered by Boz Scaggs and Bonnie Raitt), "You Will Not Lose" and "With You in Mind" are by themselves worth the price of this CD, and then some. The Allen Toussaint Collection

I just love this guy!!!!
His music touches me,
He has become one of my favorite musicians.


He is wonderful live...
His energy is healing!!!!!!
These songs havent stopped dancing in my head since I got this
CD:
"Happiness " is just that... happines...
"Sucess-", "Night people","Lover of love" and
" You will not lose."
It is a wonderful collection!!!!


Thank you Allen Toussaint!!!!!!!!!!!

It gets me in the mood for... hmmm... well, for everything I love! I'm even on a budget and could not resist buying two more of his CDs.

wow soul sister is so cool i love that song its so cool its on the soundtrack for my favorite movie another day in paradsie wow vincent kartheiser is hott!!!!!