Rhino Entertainment Company releases a vibrant 180-gram vinyl of Allen Toussaint’s classic 1975 album, Southern Nights.
Allen Toussaint – Southern Nights – Warner Brothers/Reprise (1975)/Rhino Entertainment Company REST 2186/603497825271 Rhino Reserve 180-gram stereo vinyl, 35:43 ****1/2*
(Allen Toussaint – piano, keyboards, harmonica, guitar, vocals; Arthur Neville – organ; George Porter Jr. – bass; Leo Nocentelli – guitar; Joseph Modeliste – drums; Charles Moore – guitar; Alfred Roberts – conga; “Country John”/Teddy Royal – guitar; Richy Powell – bass; Clyde Williams – drums; Gary Brown – saxophone; Clyde Kerr Jr. – trumpet, flugelhorn; Steve Howard – trumpet; Lon Price – tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute; Jim Moore – tenor saxophone, flute; Carl Blouin – baritone; Lester Caliste – trombone; Joan Harmon – backup vocals; Deborah Paul – backup vocals; Sharon Neborn – backup vocals)
New Orleans played a pivotal rile in American music. With early roots in various Afro-American and Caribbean motifs, the Crescent City produced a number of icons, including Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Jelly Roll Morton and the Marsalis family. Funk and r & b were also staples of this musical evolution with The Meters, Dr. John and the Neville Brothers. A key figure in this culture was songwriter, producer and arranger Allen Toussaint. He was an integral behind-the-scenes figure. Rock fans will remember his impact arranging horn charts for The Band and Little Feat line shows. Additionally, Toussaint was a noted solo artist, peaking with his 1975 release, Southern Nights. While other artists like Glen Campbell, Box Scaggs, Little Feat and Bonnie Raitt covered material from this album, Toussaint’s natural laid-back persona captured the personal narrative of growing up in Louisiana.
Rhino Entertainment Company has released a re-mastered vinyl of Southern Nights. This represents the apex of Toussaint’s solo career with 10 songs all written and arranged by the artist, featuring an all-star musical lineup. Side One opens with the funk-infused “Last Train”. There is a relaxed “swamp groove” that permeates the song with Toussaint providing dulcet vocals backed by a crisp horn chorus and saxophone. The inherent soulful vibe is at the core of “Worldwide”. Again the understated vocals, hypnotic resonance and tight arrangement give this a unique pedigree. There is a spacey electric piano interlude at the end that adds a gossamer psychedelic texture. One of the singles, “Country John” has a relentless NOLA high-stepping cadence with tightly structured instrumentation. The number ends with a trippy voice-altered snippet from the title cut, accompanied by piano. “Basic Lady” is quintessential soul with a jaunty tempo and visceral saxophone. There is also a second title cut reference.
Toussaint’s style of rhythm and blues is specific to his atmospheric sensibilities. The renowned track, “Southern Nights” exudes a shimmering resonance with piano and organ. This near psychedelic arrangement with studio-effect voice is complex, but understated. (Note: Glen Campbell had a huge crossover hit with this, also in 1975 with a sincere acknowledgement from the composer). The funk is dialed up on “You Will Not Lose” with thick bass, muscular piano and engaging counterpoint back up singing. As a vocalist, Toussaint injects emotion, but always in a subtle way. Another touchstone is “What Do You Want The Girl To Do?”. Bonnie Raitt and Box Scaggs expanded the overall acoustics on their covers for a grittier interpretation. Toussaint maintains the looser dynamics, emphasizing the mystical Louisiana aesthetics. This performer turns up the intensity and strut on “When The Party’s Over”, which may be the most soul-inspired number with horn punctuation and nastier attitude. The finale, “Cruel Way Top Go Down” is the most definitive gospel offering on the album. It has the down ’n’ dirty articulation of Memphis-style recordings of that era, and finishes with a second-line injection of dixieland.
Kudos to Rhino Entertainment Company for updating this genuine Americana historical document. The instrumental arrangements are meticulous and Toussaint’s relaxed vocals provide intimacy and warmth. This pressing is superior with excellent stereo separation and little surface noise. Vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate the dreamscape album cover and the protective record sleeve.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Allen Toussaint – Southern Nights
TrackList:
Side One: Last Train; Worldwide; Back In Baby’s Arms; Country John; Basic Lady
Side Two: Southern Nights; You Will Not Lose; What Do You Want The Girl To Do?; When The Party’s Over; Cruel Way To Go Down.
