Album: The Bright Mississippi

Introduction
" The Bright Mississippi" is a 2009 album by the famous New Orleans pianist, songwriter, and producer, Allen Toussaint. It is an instrumental jazz album that showcases Toussaint's extensive abilities as a pianist and arranger, as well as his love and regard for the music of his hometown. The album title is a reference to both the Mississippi River, which runs through New Orleans, and the renowned jazz standard piece "Bright Mississippi" by Thelonious Monk, which is featured on the album. The album consists of twelve tracks that commemorate the classics of jazz and blues, including structures by legends such as Duke Ellington, Sidney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, and Earl Hines.

The Concept and Performers
" The Bright Mississippi" was produced by the revered artist and producer, Joe Henry, who combined an excellent ensemble of artists to collaborate with Toussaint on the album. Together with Toussaint on piano, the band included Marc Ribot on guitar, David Piltch on bass, Jay Bellerose on drums, Don Byron on clarinet, and Nicholas Payton on trumpet. Each musician brought their own unique voice and skill to the job, creating an abundant and textured noise that is a testament to their collective sparkle.

The album is special since it is a departure from Toussaint's normal work as a songwriter and manufacturer of R&B and funk music. It is a homage to the roots of jazz and the city of New Orleans itself, showcasing the unbelievable wealth of designs and customs that can be discovered in the Crescent City. For Toussaint, this was a chance to commemorate the music that formed him and to handle an innovative obstacle, exploring new ground as an artist.

Tracklisting and Highlights
1. Egyptian Fantasy (Sidney Bechet).
2. Dear Old Southland (Creamer/Layton).
3. St. James Infirmary (Traditional).
4. Singin' the Blues (Conrad Robinson).
5. Winin' Boy Blues (Jelly Roll Morton).
6. West End Blues (King Oliver).
7. Blue Drag (Django Reinhardt).
8. Simply a Closer Walk with Thee (Traditional).
9. Brilliant Mississippi (Thelonious Monk).
10. Day Dream (Duke Ellington).
11. Long, Long Journey (Leonard Feather).
12. Solitude (Duke Ellington).

The album opens with Sidney Bechet's "Egyptian Fantasy", a lively and energetic piece showcasing the band's virtuosity. "St. James Infirmary" is a poignant and gorgeously arranged take on the famous blues song, with Toussaint's piano playing shining through. The cover of Thelonious Monk's "Bright Mississippi" is a standout track, showcasing Toussaint's ability to bring his own unique voice to the genre while still admiring the original work of the famous jazz pianist. The album closes with a moving rendition of Ellington's "Solitude", which is a fitting end to an album that showcases the intense and expressive power of jazz.

Reception and Legacy
" The Bright Mississippi" received vital honor upon its release, praised for its awesome musicianship, the dynamic interaction between the musicians, and the method it skillfully use the nostalgia and love of jazz history. Toussaint regretfully died in 2015, however this album stays as a testimony to his enormous skill and his deep connection to the music of New Orleans. For fans of jazz and blues, "The Bright Mississippi" offers a rejuvenating and fascinating excursion into the heart of American music, reminding us of the classic appeal and power of this amazing category.