Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Allen Toussaint - Damrosch Park NYC 8-22-09

Another great job by The Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival this past weekend. A 90 minute Allen Toussaint show with full band. Lizz Wright opened the show with a nice set of jazz, blues, and gospel

Playing songs from his current jazz album The Bright Mississippi, as well as a number of favorites as well as the obligatory Fess medley, the show made for a terrific Saturday evening in New York.

With the full rock/funk band playing behind him, Allen was able to jam out a bit on piano which was a mjor treat. Recently, I've seen him solo, with Elvis Costello, and with a jazz combo. With his own band form New Orleans I think is the best way to see him and showcases his abilities as a songwriter, producers and arranger.

Highlights included Get Out Of My Life Woman (his most recorded song he claimed, and reminded me of seeing Derek Truck perform this sondg on the same stage a week before), a medley of early hits that began and ended with A Certain Girl, and a full on long version of Soul Sister.

Lizz Wright opened the show with a subdued but nice set that included a nice version of CC Rider.

Mr Toussaint is a national treasure