We sat down with Allen Toussaint, fonky pianist, writer and producer of untold hit songs, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and NOLA’s first-chair favorite son.

Jon Cleary is a big enough fan, and an accomplished enough musician, to mix it up on this forthcoming tribute record — which is smartly subtitled “Having Fun with the Songs of Allen Toussaint.” You May Also Like: No related posts.

Blues belter Irma Thomas, who shot to fame with soulful 1960s-era renditions of “(You Can Have My Husband but) Don’t Mess with My Man,” “It’s Raining” and “Time Is On My Side,” will be honored today with a new bronze statue at Musical Legends Park in New Orleans. You MayRead More

More often than not, it’s seemed like Dr. John has relied on the dark mysteries of his voice — rather than the material — to sell his records. Of course, what a voice it is: Full of wry sweetness, weed-smoke inscrutability and spicy indignation. You May Also Like: The BlackRead More

Ellis Marsalis would have had a sweeping impact as a musical innovator and longtime educator even if he hadn’t parented a series of famous jazz-playing sons.

The Clash once had an album called Combat Rock, but William A. Thompson’s combat music called Baghdad Music Journal (2006) was hardly a figurative statement You May Also Like: Linda and Richard Thompson, “The Great Valerio” (1974): One Track Mind

There are actually two versions of this number from Missouri-based Southern rockers Powder Mill. The first, “The Devil and New Orleans,” an acoustic country number, appeared on the band’s 2008 album New Mountain. You May Also Like: Richard Turgeon, “Powder Keg” (2020): One Track Mind The Blind Boys of Alabama’sRead More

Papa Grows Funk returns with its most collaborative effort yet, as Needle in the Groove boasts a whopping three producers — including Louisiana legend Allen Toussaint — and a set of songs composed together as a group. You May Also Like: John ‘Papa’ Gros – River’s On Fire (2016)

The inaugural International Jazz Day on April 30, called by Herbie Hancock as his initial proposal upon being named a goodwill ambassador by UNESCO, will include concerts in New Orleans, Paris and New York. Jazz-related events are also scheduled in several dozen other countries, as well. You May Also Like:Read More

Deeply wounded by the way his hometown drowned in the wake of Katrina, Dr. John has spent the last few years railing against The Man. But he’s never sounded so focused, so full of both piss and vinegar. You May Also Like: The Black Keys Hit Upon the Right RootsyRead More