Music Review: Allen Toussaint - The Bright Mississippi

When it comes to top pianists, Diana Krall points to Oscar Peterson while her hubby, Elvis Costello, favors Allen Toussaint. Elvis collaborated with the New Orleans legend on their fine album The River in Reverse. Here Allen, who helped to shape the sound of r&b, soul and funk as a songwriter, producer and pianist, offers his classy instrumental versions of old standards like “St. James Infirmary” and “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” And his rhythmic cover of the Thelonious Monk-penned title track is pure heaven.

April 2009