I am tweaking on the new Allen Toussaint recording “The Bright Mississippi” .
Not only does he have the touch, an elegance that simply is unavoidable when listening to these tracks. But there is a confidence, an assurance in the playing that just draws you in, sits you down and makes you listen. Joe Henry has produced something extraordinary here. The feel of this record overwhelms and allows me to share the emotion of these players working through old standards “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” or Jelly Roll Morton’s “Winin’ The Blues” and of course Monk’s “Bright Mississippi”.
And then there are the players: Nicholas Payton, Marc Ribot, Don Byron, David Piltch, Jay Bellarose. All tremendous players in their own right. Payton and Byron’s playing transport me. Take a listen on a subdued Sunday morning. This is calming music, infused with respect and love.
Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans? If you’re in Calgary, AB later this summer, this could be the musical catch of the summer.
Thank you Joe Henry and Allen Toussaint for the impetus to search out more.
