Songbook

This is one of the loveliest CDs we have ever, not just heard, but experienced. After Katrina, Toussaint had lost everything and was invited to move to New York City for a while. He played at a local establishment and really connected with his audience. This CD is one of those "live" performances and Toussaint is fantastic. He establishes an immediate rapport and then transports the listener to the Crescent City. His 13-minute rendition of Southern Nights is magical. Toussaint's gentle voice and slight Creole accent takes one back to a night in the 1940s where his family is gathering in rural Louisiana where elec-tri-city still has not made its way. One can almost hear tree branches rustling in the breeze as he recounts his experience. Songbook ranks along with American Tunes and Bright Mississippi as quintessential Toussaint.

Put Allen in a room...with a intimate audience, have him sing his favorites from 40 years of songwriting - throw in a story or two, and it adds up to a great hour.Stripped down genius - guaranteed to hold your attention. Just a man and his piano.My only irritation is that I didn't buy the deluxe edition, as it just seems the CD ended too early

What can I say. One of the geniuses of 20th century American popular music as composer, arranger and performer. Being an Orleanian, so much of the soundtrack of my life was written and/or produced by this man. He was a one-man Motown. So much of my classic New Orleans music is on vinyl, and I wanted the MP3 version so I wouldn't have to go t through all the hassle of digitizing. This is an excellent collection of his best work, performed by the man himself. If you don't now Allen Toussaint or the golden era of New Orleans R&B, this is as good a place to start as any.

The small setting of the music in A NYC bar is a perfect effect for the solo piano magic of Toussaint.

Love this CD! Toussaint was one of the all-time greats. I heard the Southern Nights extended version on pandora and had to find and buy the CD for it alone. Awesome!

Sweet, soft, beautiful. He wrote so many hits but the final version of his own Southern Nights is worth the entire albumI am also from New Orleans and I can smell the oak trees and the breezes when he talks of his past during the song.

Nothing here but Allen Toussaint and a piano. It's great to hear him without a band though. Some of the tracks are preceded by brief introductions, and to some extent, the intimacy of a live performance is conveyed. There are sixteen classic New Orleans jazz vocal and piano tracks. A simple album, but an enjoyable and relaxing listen.

It really is all good!

Anyone who saw Allen Toussaint's one man shows a couple of years ago will be familiar with the treatment and setting here. And I'm sure they'll be rushing to buy this. The recording captures the intimacy of the show well. I always find it fascinating to hear the writer's version of songs made famous by others, and we have several chances to experience that on this release. Maybe there is too much between track chat to play repeatedly. Nevertheless, this release is a welcome addition to the Allen Toussaint catalogue and will not disappoint his many fans.

I have always liked Allen Toussaint but never had any of his records so this was a great opportunity to get a good selection of his tracks. I was not disappointed

Absolutely brilliant. Hardly out of my CD player. Every song a jewel but the way he plays Southern Nights here is especially inspired.

This CD sums up the multi-talented man. His contribution to R&B music will never be surpassed.

Heard it on the flight selection. Special