Live shows don’t get much better than the pairing of Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, currently wrapping up a tour in support of their collaborative release The River in Reverse. While Costello has become known for his eclectic musical collaborations over the past decade, he’s reached a new peak with Toussaint.
Whether creating musical arrangements for the Band or writing and producing songs with countless New Orleans soul legends, Toussaint has established himself as a leading musical arranger. His talent comes from balancing subtlety with flair, bringing out the character in both musicians and instruments while never overwhelming the song.
The Toussaint touch, with subtlety and elegance, breathed new life into several classic Costello songs. “I Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down†was given a soulful swing while “Clubland†began with a salsa beat before building up into a full-on rocker. Through it all, Toussaint sat regally at the grand piano, unassumingly playing everything from Professor Longhair boogie-woogie to Motown soul.
The inspiration for the collaboration wasn’t lost on either the performers or the crowd. Referring to the relief effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Costello remarked, “Some of you sent in money because the government hadn’t thought of it yet.â€
Perhaps the highlight of the evening was Toussaint’s arrangement of Costello’s “Alison.†A solo introduction by the five-piece Crescent City Horns was ethereal; the full band later segued into Smokey Robinson’s “Tracks of my Tears.†It was a magical moment.
Here’s hoping that this wonderful evening finds its way into a live release.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.