Returning as an expanded reissue, ‘Songbook’ found Allen Toussaint explaining America to itself, one song at a time.

Steven Bernstein’s MTO and Catherine Russell convert Allen Toussaint’s R&B classic “Yes We Can” into a joyful, New Orleans jazz funeral parade.

When I think of the genius of the late, great Allen Toussaint, I think of the masterpiece he made with Lee Dorsey in 1970.

Allen Toussaint, who has died at 77, was always content to work behind the scenes – until a devastating storm swept him from New Orleans.

Allen Toussaint explores a Paul McCartney connection from long before their time together around the newly reissued ‘Venus and Mars.’

Dr. John’s flamboyant life and hoodoo-tinged music will be celebrated during a special concert event to be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014, in New Orleans as part of the Jazz and Heritage Festival.

The Band is revealed in all of its muscular, almost (but never completely) out-of-control on-stage glory — bolstered, in a meeting of musical worlds, by these stabbing horn charts from Allen Toussaint. You May Also Like: Jethro Tull – ‘The Zealot Gene’ (2022)

I once read that the great acoustic bassist Ray Brown had appeared on more records than any other jazz sideman. If Will Lee doesn’t hold that distinction among electric bassists, than I’m at a loss as to who that might be. You May Also Like: Tom Tallitsch – Gratitude (2016)Read More

Will Lee is probably best known as the bassist in the CBS Orchestra, which has supplied music and comedy for the Late Show with David Letterman for a long time now. You May Also Like: Tom Tallitsch – Gratitude (2016) Giada Valenti, “Gracias a La Vida” (2018): One Track MindRead More

Allen Toussaint’s languid, reverie-filled piano introduction to “Southern Nights,” a No. 1 hit he gave to Glen Campbell, is worth the price of admission to his new live set Songbook all by itself. You May Also Like: Allen Toussaint – ‘Songbook’ (2013; 2026 reissue) The Blind Boys of Alabama’s DownRead More