Random Gems: | thecud

Random Gems:
Allen Toussaint
Mahesh Markus

This month's Random Gems is likely truly random for the majority of you, and is a real gem. The focus is on one musician: Allen Toussaint. I recently saw Allen performing on Elvis Costello's Spectacle. This was when I realised how revered he is by most musicisans, prompting me to do some research.

Informal social/market research reveals that Allen is hardly known within my circle of acquaintances, yet he is an integral part of the modern musical cannon. I was lucky enough to see him at The Basement [1] in Sydney, Australia on the 3rd of October this year. Being a genuine Southern gentleman, he spent time with his fans, signing autographs, posing for photographs and shaking hands. I was fortunate to be able to shake hands with this genius.

Allen's music is familiar. We have heard it many times without actually identifying it. Here is a small sample of his work from live performances, advertisements and his latest album The Bright Mississippi. He hasn't always been interested in touring, but he has been on the road around the world while his house is being rebuit after Hurricane Katrina [2].

The song: Holy Cow

This was a hit for Lee Dorsey and many others. It is clear that Elvis Costello and his band are big fans. I like it too.

Where to buy the Lee Dorsey version: or Amazon

Other versions: YouTube video of Lee Dorsey's recording of Holy Cow (1966)

The song: Sweet Touch of Love

This song was on the award winning advertisement for AXE/Lynx, which won a Gold Lion at the 2008 Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival [3].

Where to buy: or Amazon

Other versions: YouTube video of the full length version of Sweet Kind of Love

The song: Southern Nights

This was a big hit for Glen Campbell in the 1970s. Allen's performance of this song in Sydney was as equally stunning as his effort on Jools Holland's show.

Where to buy: or Amazon

Other versions: YouTube video of Southern Nights by Glen Campbell (Live)

The album: Bright Mississippi

This album was released in 2009 as a tribute to the music of New Orleans, and the musicians who influenced Allen (from the liner notes and multiple reviews of it). The YouTube clip is from the opening track Egyptian Fantasy - a Sidney Bechet tune. This clip may not be up for long (for copyright reasons) - apologies in advance if it doesn't work.

Where to buy: or Amazon

More music by Allen: YouTube playlist for Allen Toussaint

References

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