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Artist Profile — Allen Toussaint

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Record Label and Tour Information: The Verve Music Group

Photo Credits:
Allen Toussaint and Elvis Costello by Jimmy Katz, and Allen Toussaint - Courtesy Allen Toussaint

NEW COLLABORATION FROM STEINWAY ARTIST ALLEN TOUSSAINT AND ELVIS COSTELLO, THE RIVER IN REVERSE , IN STORES JUNE 6, 2006

A New Orleans native and lifelong resident, Allen Toussaint has left his mark on the music world over the last 40 years as a pianist, singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer. A disciple of fellow New Orleans musician Professor Longhair, Steinway Artist Toussaint has written and produced hits recorded by such artists as Lee Dorsey ("Working in the Coal Mine"), Patti Labelle ("Lady Marmalade"), Ernie K-Doe ("Mother-in-Law"), and Glen Campbell ("Southern Nights"). His horn arrangements have been featured on legendary rock recordings such as The Band's "Rock of Ages" and Paul Simon's "Kodachrome." Even as he wrote for others, Toussaint released his own solo records, including From a Whisper to a Scream, Love, Life and Faith, Southern Nights, and Motion. He has also produced artists the likes of Etta James, The Meters, Ramsey Lewis and Wings. He has written stage works as well, contributing to the theatrical productions William Christopher, Staggerlee, and High Rollers Social Aid and Pleasure Club. The Grammy-nominated Toussaint was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

However far his career has taken him, Toussaint is inextricably linked with New Orleans and the New Orleans sound. Toussaint was in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005. He attempted to ride out the storm in his home but ultimately evacuated to the Superdome and eventually made it to safety. Since the disaster, Toussaint has been actively performing at concerts for the benefit of hurricane victims. He has eloquently expressed his view that New Orleans and its world-renowned, celebrated music scene will be back (he says the music has "just taken an intermission") and he is doing his part to jumpstart that comeback. He recorded on the Nonesuch album Our New Orleans, along with other fellow native New Orleans musicians, for a collection of songs in tribute to the Crescent City. Proceeds from the sale of the album will be donated to Habitat of Humanity efforts for hurricane victims. He was also a vital part of the April 2006 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, one of this year's most memorable musical events heralding the spirit of renewal for the hurricane-ravaged region.

Toussaint's time on the Katrina-benefit concert circuit reunited him with the eclectic and multi-talented singer/songwriter Elvis Costello, with whom he had previously collaborated (in 1983, for a Costello cover of Yoko Ono's "Walking on Thin Ice" and in 1989, contributing piano on "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror" on Costello's album Spike.) Toussaint and Costello have recently recorded an album together, The River in Reverse, scheduled for release in June 2006. The album features seven songs from Toussaint's catalog, five songs penned by Toussaint and Costello, and one song, the title track, written by Costello. Recording spanned about two weeks late last year, and most tracks were cut with Toussaint and his horn section, and Costello and his band, the Imposters, all in the same room. Toussaint and Costello will tour together throughout the summer in support of the album.