Posthumous Allen Toussaint Album Coming & New Single Released

Renowned musician and composer Allen Toussaint died at age 77 last November. Today, Nonesuch Records has announced the upcoming release of a posthumous new album called American Tunes set to be issued on June 10.

Recorded during two sessions with producer Joe Henry, Toussaint tracked portions on solo piano at his home studio in May 2013 and gathered an ensemble in Los Angeles for a session at United Recording in October 2015 featuring drummer Jay Bellerose and upright bassist David Piltch with guests including guitarist Bill Frisell, saxophonist Charles Lloyd, vocalist Rhiannon Giddens and pianist Van Dyke Parks, among others. The 14-track collection mixes Toussaint’s solo piano performances of late NOLA legend Professor Longhair (Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd) compositions with full band takes on songs penned by Toussaint as well as the likes of Bill Evans, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Paul Simon and more.

Watch below a trailer for American Tunes followed by official audio of the LP’s first single, a cover of “Big Chief” by Earl King:

American Tunes Tracklist

1. Delores’ Boyfriend (Allen Toussaint)
2. Viper’s Drag (Thomas “Fats” Waller)
3. Confessin’ (That I Love You) (Doc Dougherty, Ellis Reynolds & Al Neiburg)
4. Mardis Gras in New Orleans (Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd)
5. Lotus Blossom (Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd)v
6. Waltz For Debby (Bill Evans)
7. Big Chief (Earl King)
8. Rocks In My Bed (Duke Ellington)
9. Danza, Op. 33 (Louis Moreau Gottschalk)
10. Hey Little Girl (Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd)
11. Rosetta (Earl “Fatha” Hines)
12. Come Sunday (Duke Ellington)
13. Southern Nights (Allen Toussaint)
14. American Tune (Paul Simon)