Although he has been the presiding genius of New Orleans R&B since the late Fifties, Allen Toussaint has made relatively few recordings under his own name. These are his first sides; they were made for RCA and Sevile in 1958-1959. Toussaint assembled a crack New Orleans band, including Red Tyler, Roy Montrell, Melvin Lastie and Hungry Williams, and led them through a program of wonderfully inventive instrumentals that includes the original version of Java and 26 other songs, like Whirlaway, Po Boy Walk, Cow Cow Blues, and Real Churchy. The roots of Sixties New Orleans R&B are here.
D**D
Lively Instrumentals from 1958-59
The operative word here is: Fun! On these recordings from sessions in 1958 and 1959, along with four singles recorded from 1960 to 1963, a very young Allen Toussaint displays his prowess on the keyboards with a lively, vivacious set of instrumental compositions. If you're a fan of this legendary artist/writer/producer, you NEED to hear these amazing early recordings. Listening to these tunes, you can't help but smile and shout "Yeah!"From reading the liner notes, it sounds like Toussaint was "ambivalent" about these recordings:"I liked a lot of things in the sessions ....it was unfocused as far as being focused on a market. It was very innocent ... The big difference is all this is instrumental. Once I think 'words', everything changes."So, yeah, you aren't going to hear "songs' such as "Southern Nights" or "Working in a Coalmine," but these instrumentals sizzle nonetheless. The CD comes with a 20-page booklet that includes vintage photos of the young pianist and his sidemen, along with notes on these historic sessions. Music that still sounds fresh and vibrant!
J**A
Good luck getting it out of the case!
I was SOOOO excited for this album to come, but when I went to take out the first disc, I struggled for about 15 minutes trying to figure out how to get the 1st disc out of the case without breaking it. No matter how I maneuvered it, it just seemed completely stuck to the center, and of course, despite my best efforts, the CD snapped. I was able to get the 2nd disc out without as much of a struggle, but unfortunately most of the songs I was most excited for were on the first disc. Wondering if I'll be able to get a second disc sent over, but struggling to find seller details.
M**D
Musical genius and a wonderful man
Mr.Toussaint was a prolific composer and shaped music in New Orleans significantly in the 20th century
O**S
Great albums and liner notes from a legend
I wasn't lucky or fast enough to purchase the Rhino Handmade limited edition of this release, so I'm ecstatic to finally get my hands on it! Great albums and liner notes from a legend. RIP to the great Allen Toussaint.
T**9
Whirlaway and lots more
Buy it for Whirlaway and stay for the rest of Toussaint's early instrumentals.
A**R
Disc
Very nice music
B**T
It's All Good!
STYLE!
R**C
Good New Orleans vibes!
A great overview of Allen's talent with many catchy jazz tunes. I've heard of him in the past, but never had an album. This will be excellent for background listening at a gathering of friends!
M**Y
It is a showcase of his earlier career highlights.
This box set has been unavailable in CD format for more than a decade. It is a showcase of his earlier career highlights. It is a glorious reminder of Allen Toussaint's mastery of evolving New Orleans styles which has inspired countless local and nationwide artists. Unfortunately, we will never see the like of him again. This is a fitting memorial to a truly great artist. I was privileged to see him perform here in Dublin on 13th July 2009 and it was in my top five gigs of all time. May he rest in peace.
A**R
Four Stars
This music just gets better as time goes on.
J**R
Five Stars
v good
E**O
Five Stars
Perfecto.
N**T
Five Stars
All good.
Trustpilot
2 weeks ago
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