Allen Toussaint's 'American Tunes'

Nonesuch records are to posthumously release an album by legendary New Orleans pianist and songwriter Allen Toussaint called ‘American Tunes.’ 

These are Toussaint’s final studio sessions, finished in October 2015, before he died of a heart attack on tour in November, aged 77. 

The album includes several solo pieces recorded at his home, and full band tracks with guests including guitarist Bill Frisell, drummer Jay Bellerose and saxophonist Charles Lloyd. It comprises a collection of classic American compositions including some of his own, and those of Professor Longhair, Bill Evans, Fats Waller, Paul Simon and Duke Ellington. The album takes its name from the Paul Simon piece ‘American Tune,’ from a 1973 album ‘There Goes Rhymin’ Simon’ on which Toussaint also worked. It will be released on the 10th June including a limited edition double vinyl LP.