Allen Toussaint at Joe's Pub -- 2/15/09

Wonderful show at a wonderful venue! Prolific songwriter, roots New Orleans piano, soulful vocals, engaging, witty, humble . . . all that in a charming setting. (claustrophobics need not apply). A gentleman and New Orleans ambassador of music, Mr. Toussaint basically laid it down for all to see. Toussaint remarked that it was a “blessing of Katrina” that got him on the road and back in New York City for this weekly series (2 shows remain: 2/22 & 3/1). An hour and forty five minutes of song, story, recollections, “mister, throw me something” and an up close look at his new Grammy! Mid-way through the show he unveiled his prize possession much to the delight of an already appreciative crowd. Joe's Pub is a small, distinctively New York hideaway – better than expected food, great service and an abiding respect for the music are all hallmarks of Joe Papp’s club. He started off with an instrumental warm up that may indeed have had over 50 references, homage’s and teases. He explained that he would be performing songs he wrote, songs he didn’t but wished he had, and, songs he didn’t and was glad of. In the first two categories lay the high points. The only song, to my recollection not penned by Toussaint was a poignant rendition of Marty Robbins’ El Paso. Musical incongruities aside – it was probably the biggest reach of the afternoon, and it worked. He followed that with a little story about a musicologist’s opinion that “Get out My Life Woman” was perhaps his most recorded song, not to let it go at that, Toussaint opined that his favorite version was by “Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead”.
I would like to tell you that that brought down the house, but perhaps it was only my small table . . . I thanked him afterwards for the wonderful El Paso, and the props for Jerry, mentioning that I was a huge fan – and it seemed that he was too. He said he’s see us at Jazz Fest, and whether we meet again or not – for an afternoon in New York City I was charmed and enthralled by both a musical giant and a gentleman of the people.