Allen Toussaint - Songbook / 2CD set

Los Angeles, CA—Singer, songwriter, and producer Allen Toussaint (1938-2015) remains one of the most influential musical figures in New Orleans history, having amassed a dazzling list of songwriting credits and hit productions over his storied career. Yet it took decades for the legendary artist to release his first live album, 2013’s Songbook. Recorded in 2009, the album captured Toussaint during two intimate New York concerts, where he shared personal stories and performed a career-spanning set that included such classics as “Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette),” “Holy Cow,” and “Get Out of My Life, Woman.”

Now, the GRAMMY®-nominated album returns via Craft Recordings with 20 previously unreleased tracks, including a cover of Steve Goodman’s “City Of New Orleans,” plus live versions of “What Do You Want The Girl To Do,” and Toussaint’s tribute to Jerry Garcia’s “Hi Lee Hi.” Also included is a portion of an interview with Toussaint as he reflects on his early influences and his extraordinary career. The deluxe 2-CD reissue includes Songbook’s original essay and track notes from GRAMMY Award–winning writer and producer Ashley Kahn, plus updated liner notes from the album’s producer, Paul Siegel.