Allen Toussaint Posthumous Album American Tunes Announced

Legendary New Orleans musician and songwriter Allen Toussaint died last November at age 77 while on a European tour. Prior to his passing, Toussaint had just finished a new album, American Tunes, which Nonesuch Records will now release on June 10. The album was recorded during two sessions with producer Joe Henry: First, at Toussaint’s New Orleans home studio in 2013, and then in Los Angeles in October 2015; guests Bill Frisell, Rhiannon Giddens, Charles Lloyd, Greg Leisz, and Van Dyke Parks joined for the second session. American Tunes features Toussaint’s solo performances of New Orleans singer/pianist Professor Longhair songs, as well as band arrangements of songs by Toussaint, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Paul Simon, and more.

Below, hear Toussaint’s take on “Big Chief” (composed by Earl King) and watch a trailer for the album. Also see the tracklist and artwork. Read our Afterword feature on Allen Toussaint.

American Tunes:

01 Delores’ Boyfriend
02 Viper’s Drag
03 Confessin’ (That I Love You)
04 Mardi Gras in New Orleans
05 Lotus Blossom
06 Waltz for Debby
07 Big Chief
08 Rocks in My Bed
09 Danza, Op. 33
10 Hey Little Girl
11 Rosetta
12 Come Sunday
13 Southern Nights
14 American Tune

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