Posthumous Allen Toussaint New Album Preview Stream

On June 10, Nonesuch Records will issue a posthumous new Allen Toussaint album American Tunes.

The first recordings to be released since his death at age 77 last November, NPR Music’s First Listen series has made the LP available to stream in advance of its official release next week.

Toussaint recorded American Tunes with producer Joe Henry over the course of two sessions. Parts of the record were tracked by Toussaint on solo piano at the NOLA legend’s home studio in May 2013. Last October, the renowned performer and composer was huddled an ensemble in Los Angeles for a session at United Recording in featuring drummer Jay Bellerose and upright bassist David Piltch who were joined by guests such as guitarist Bill Frisell, saxophonist Charles Lloyd, vocalist Rhiannon Giddens and pianist Van Dyke Parks, among others.

The 14-song album showcases a number of late NOLA legend Professor Longhair (Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd) compositions played solo by Toussaint as well as full band recordings of songs written by Toussaint and Bill Evans, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Paul Simon and more. Stream American Tunes thanks to NPR Music here:

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)