Personnel: Marc Ribot (guitar); Don Byron (clarinet); Joshua Redman (saxophone); Nicholas Payton (trumpet); Brad Mehldau (piano); David Piltch (bass instrument); Jay Bellerose (drums). Fans of legendary New Orleans musician Allen Toussaint may at first be surprised that, for his first album in over a decade, the producer, songwriter, and pianist would choose to forgo recording his own stellar material in favor of a collection of cover tunes. The songs here aren't just any songs, however, but a rich selection of Big Easy standards, as interpreted by one of the city's most gifted musical sons. The resulting Joe Henry-produced gumbo draws upon all of Toussaint's myriad musical experiences, but often focuses on his incredibly soulful piano playing. Even when other instruments take the lead (the trumpet on "A Dear Old Southland," the clarinet on "Just a Closer Walk With Thee") it's the master's sublimely sensitive ivory tickling that stands out. Recorded live in the studio with minimal instrumentation, the album captures Allen Toussaint at his most comfortable and intimate.

• Genre: Pop
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 06/30/2009