Customer Reviews

The Bright Mississippi

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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...

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.

Toussaint, who, at 70, is this year's "Poster Boy" for the 40th anniversary of New Orlean's JazzFest has produced, performed and released a stupendous work reflecting his extraordinary art.
The sonics of the CD are flawless but it is on the vinyl LP's that a sense of being in the Big Easy as Big Muddy rolls by, come to acoustic fruition. Wow, I can sense the humidity, inhale the bouquet of the Quarters and feel the emotional impact of the live music emerging from open doors.
Allen, you've really done it!
Does the vinyl sound better than the CD? I hope you have decent playback facilities so that you too can arrive at your own conclusion...and then play them back repeatedly, savoring nuances and discovering musical references to other master musicians who have trod these boards and visited these bayous.

This record has not been off my CD player since I bought it. It is one of the most soulful, best played, and best recorded albums in my collection.
It is great to wake up to, or an evening with friends. Don't miss it.

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.

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.

This album is one of the purest you'll ever hope to hear. This is once again largely thanks to the producer, Joe Henry. He is genius. The way he manages to transport new orleans and some of its finest musicians to your living room is just breathtaking.
His own work is pretty impressive too, but what he does for others is amazing.

I was not familiar with the music of this artist but he is very well known and I bought the CD based on the reviews I'd read. This one is really good if you are looking for good, bluesy music that is well crafted. A little more vocals would be good but it's nice the way it is.

No historic talk from me, but thanks to all who provide it. In my case, I just want to listen, close my eyes and get down. This CD does all that and more for me. This is gorgeous music--with soul, spirit and inspiration. Who could ask for more?