One of my New York City friends, John Ottaviano, is interviewing the legendary Allen Toussaint on his radio program now. Listen to it live or archived here.
It's WUSB's annual radio pledge drive, and John is jockeying his third or fourth Elvis Costello marathon. I met John via an email discussion list I've been on for just about ten years ostensibly devoted to EC's music, but the folks there are so articulate and eclectic, we frequently just hash out issues of the day or high and lowbrow minuatiae of all kinds. I've seen many concerts with John. He's a real gentleman, and I miss hanging out with him.
Elvis met Allen Toussaint at a Hurricane Katrina benefit in 2005 and recorded the exemplary album The River in Reverse with him in 2006. It's a combination of Toussaint's classic songbook as well as new compositions from Costello and Toussaint. Of all of EC's disparate collaborations, including Paul McCartney, the Brodsky Quartet, Burt Bacharach, and (!!!) Springsteen (they duetted at the Grammys in 2003 on the Clash's "London Calling" in tribute to Joe Strummer), this one may be my favorite.
Gwen and I saw them perform together at Wolf Trap summer of that year. Allen walked out onstage midway through "Monkey to Man" and sat at the piano. He was in a sharp dark suit, but was also wearing these same white socks and sandals in the photo. He was so stylish, cool, and, man, could he play that piano! Watching him effortlessly make music, I got the sense of seeing a real master at work.
Earlier this year, I saw him again at the 930 Club when he surprised us by joining in Elvis and The Imposters set. I was in the front row and have to again mention just how wonderful it is to see this guy. He just brings joy to the world.
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