Rolling with the Punches: The Allen Toussaint Songbook
Released
Two dozen songs from the master as recorded by artists across three decades and from around the world. Solomon Burke’s ‘60s deep soul read of “Get Out of My Life Woman” works just fine next to the smoother sound of the Judds’ lowkey “Working in the Coalmine.” Toussaint’s songs were empathetic enough for singers like Bonnie Raitt, Millie Jackson, and Maria Muldaur. They’re also versatile enough to translate to a new generation of blue-eyed soul singers like Boz Scaggs and Robert Palmer, and sound right at home in the countrypolitan confines of Glen Campbell’s cotton candy take on “Southern Nights.” It’s the rare compilation that’s a deep dive even while just skimming the surface of this particular songbook.