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Costello/Toussaint collaboration worth a listen
L. Kent Wolgamott
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I didn't get a review of The River in Reverse into this week's Ground Zero. So I thought I'd give those who check out GZO a tip. The collaboration between Elvis Costello and New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint really works well, creating a rich, funky stew of a record that's one of the rare positives to come out of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The title cut is the only Costello penned number and it's a sharply political number that points fingers of blame for allowing New Orleans to be nearly destroyed by Katrina. Five songs are newly penned Costello/Toussaint compositions. The other seven cuts are Toussaint classics selected by Costello, primarily songs recorded by the great Lee Dorsey. Costello handles most of the vocals and slips right into the loose funky Toussaint approach — the sound that has become identified with New Orleans. Toussaint sings a little and, of course, handles the piano duties with his characteristic flair. Costello's Imposters back the duo, with Steve Nieve's Hammond B-3 providing the meat of the sound while the Cresent City Horns punch things up and keep it funky. This isn't going to be everybody's bowl of gumbo. But if it sounds at all appealing, check it out.
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