Allen Toussaint
Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival, Burnaby, Canada
12th August, 2007

View: from every angle

Allen Toussaint took to the main stage at 7.40pm. Looking sharp in a dark suit and fronting a six-piece band, he began his hour-long set with Mother-In-Law.  He then tore through a medley of self-penned classics like Fortune Teller, Working In A Coal Mine, Ya Ya, Get Out Of My Life Woman, and more. Making his way from old school R&B through funk and soul, he played an extended version of Yes We Can Can and gave his horn section a chance to strut. It was a rare opportunity and a real treat to see the New Orleans piano master. For his final number, he demonstrated his answer to interview questions as to how he made it in the music biz. A dead-pan, hilarious extended medley of Chopsticks, Jelly Roll Morton, Professor Longhair, Chopin and other piano pieces followed. Practice, practice, practice, in other words. The funky, relaxed groove came to an end all too soon and the audience of 6,000 had just witnessed a legend!   

Reviewed by Allen Dashwood
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