Leave it to the chaps over at the U.K.-based
Ace Records reissue subsidiary
Kent Soul to create the first comprehensive
Allen Toussaint anthology covering his late-'60s/early-'70s output. While the
Allen Toussaint (1970) long-player has been on CD before,
What Is Success: The Scepter & Bell Recordings (2007) offers up a handful of rare 45 rpm sides that are making their digital debut on this 17-track compilation. Perhaps owing to their very scarcity, the
Bell Records singles
"Get out of My Life, Woman" b/w
"Gotta Travel On," "I've Got That Feelin' Now" b/w
"Hands Christianderson," and
"We the People" b/w
"Tequila" have actually been mastered from vinyl (rather than tape) sources. While surface noise is audible throughout, each of the selections is thoroughly listenable, thanks to
Rob Shread's effective audio restorations. The core content surrounds the nearly dozen tunes that the artist initially cut in 1969 for what would become his second solo album -- alternately known as either
Allen Toussaint (1970) or
From a Whisper to a Scream (1971).
Allen Toussaint (piano/vocals) is supported by his Crescent City soul mates
Mac Rebennack (organ/guitar) (aka
Dr. John),
Terry Kellman (guitar),
Eddie Hohner (bass),
Freddie Staehle (drums),
John Boudreaux (drums),
Clyde Kerr (trumpet),
Earl Turbinton (alto sax), as well as the respective super lungs of the dynamic studio session duo
Merry Clayton (backing vocals) and
Venetta Fields. As the material is presented without regard to chronology, it is more difficult for modern listeners to chart
Toussaint's stylistic progress. That said -- with nearly two decades as a contributor in and around the Nola-based
R&B scene under his belt -- it would seem that he had long reached his full potential. The stylistic breadth is beyond impressive, especially the instrumentals, as they range from the empathetic reading of
Vince Guaraldi's
"Cast Your Fate to the Wind" to the mini-masterpiece
"Pickles" or the upbeat
gospel-flavored
soul stepper
"Hands Christianderson." Equally appealing are
Toussaint's take on songs initially made famous by others, such as
"What Is Success," which
Bonnie Raitt would interpret to considerable note. Plus, the
Lee Dorsey hits
"Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky," "Working in the Coalmine," and
"Get out of My Life Woman." The latter was likewise introduced to an entirely different audience via the
Jerry Garcia Band's long and often winding live performances. The liner booklet has an informative bio/essay from compiler
Tony Rounce, and reproductions of the original LP and 45 rpm labels for an added touch of authenticity aimed at collectors and enthusiasts. ~ Lindsay Planer
