"Composer, pianist and living legend Allen Toussaint has helped shape the sound of R&B, soul and funk while infusing a little bit of New Orleans into it," says KCRW in naming as yesterday's Top Tune the Thelonius Monk–penned title track of Toussaint's forthcoming Nonesuch solo debut, The Bright Mississippi. Toussaint will perform during both weeks of the 40th anniversary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which runs April 24–30 and May 1–3. Given his prominent place in the festival and the city's musical history, it's no surprise that Toussaint has made his way onto the official JazzFest 2009 poster, by artist James Michalopoulos.
"Composer, pianist and living legend Allen Toussaint has helped shape the sound of R&B, soul and funk while infusing a little bit of New Orleans into it," says Santa Monica radio station KCRW in naming as yesterday's Top Tune the Thelonius Monk–penned title track of Toussaint's forthcoming Nonesuch solo debut, The Bright Mississippi. The new album, due out on April 21, "re-interprets classic jazz and blues tunes written by Louisana natives," says KCRW. Listen to the Top Tune at kcrw.com.
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And speaking of New Orleans, Toussaint will perform during both weeks of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The 40th anniversary of the famed festival will be held April 24–30 and May 1–3. Toussaint is scheduled to perform at Snug Harbor on April 26; the House of Blues, with fellow New Orleans legends Preservation Hall Jazz Band, on the 30th; and, closing out the festival, on the its Acura Stage on May 3.
Given his prominent place in the festival and the city's musical history, it's no surprise that Toussaint has made his way onto the official JazzFest 2009 commemorative poster, titled Two Saints: Allen Toussaint & the French Quarter, by artist James Michalopoulos. To order the poster, pictured here, or for more information on this year's festival, visit nojazzfest.com.
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