Serious friends of rock n roll know what it means the term brother from the south. Southern music is an intersection of country, jazz, soul, gospel, rock, blues, folk, funk and Allen Toussaint is someone who is like a father of this intersection. Allen appeared on a music scene in the 50s. In the 60s, he became one of the most important piano players and producers. During the 70s, he started his own music career, with dynamic production work. In 1974, he produced the first version of Lady Marmelade for LaBelle.
Toussaint sounds like an educated musician from the academy who would rather die than play a redundant note or sing nonsense just to earn money for a Cadillac. His image follows this impression. He never used cheap promotional tricks. This three-record collection showcases Toussaint’s transformation from the basics to the contemporary without losing his artistic dignity. Life, Love and Faith represents him as an author who knew how to play with everything that South is holding sacred.
Life, Love and Faith includes one of his biggest hits – On Your Way Down. Here we can hear Toussaint’s skepticism towards fame and promotion. Same people we use on our way to the top can be seen on the way down.
Victims of The Darkness, She Once Belonged To Me, Fingers and Toes sound like hits from a parallel universe. These are the songs that should be sung by the masses, just like they are singing Adele’s Hello.
Southern Nights is the album from 1975 that shows how old school can be transformed into a modern school. The title track brings Toussaint’s vocal that sounds like he is singing from the bottom of Mexican Valley. Country John is evidence that funk does not need to be loud. Back In The Baby’s Arms is a ballade worth of Marvine Gay and Otis Redding.
Third album in this collection is Motion, even more modern one. The inspiration is not as strong here but we get diamonds such as Just A Kiss Away and With You In Mind. And oh mon dieu – Optimism Blues is one of those evergreens that never become an evergreen for who knows which reason. Love it.
In 2015, Toussaint’s heart stopped beating, but he never stopped making our hearts beat like crazy.
