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Allen Toussaint live at KPLU

Allen Toussaint at KNKX in 2011
Justin Steyer
/
KNKX
Allen Toussaint at KNKX in 2011

Pianist, vocalist, producer and songwriting legend (and Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame inductee), Allen Toussaintstopped by the KPLU studios on June 1 and took us on a sweet and uplifting trip to New Orleans with his music.

Mr. Toussaint has crossed many paths in his illustrious career in music. He has produced, written for, and performed with music giants such as Dr. John, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs and Irma Thomas to name a few.

Toussaint began the performance with the first song he ever recorded, Happy Times. He followed that up with a song originally written for himself, but was turned into a huge hit by Boz Scaggs, and later Bonnie Raitt, What Do You Want The Girl Do:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liVv4PMPx2o

His final song, It's A New Orleans Thing, inspired by the late Professor Longhair, who Toussaint refers to as the "Bach" of New Orleans music. Listen for hints of Professor's classic Tipitina throughout the tune:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fY2-KZ1I70

Toussaint's studio session was the first half of a doubleheader that day. Check out the second half of the show, The Regina Carter Trio!

Justin joined KNKX in 2009 as the station's first Multimedia Manager. In this role, Justin helped to produce multimedia content, and implement systems and procedures in efforts to transform KNKX from a traditional broadcast station into a multi-platform media organization.
Nick began working at KNKX as a program host in the late 1980’s and, with the exception of a relatively brief hiatus, has been with the station ever since. Along with his work as a Midday Jazz host, Nick worked for several years as KNKX’s Music Director. He is now the station’s Production Manager and also serves as a fill-in host on KNKX’s jazz and blues programs.
Abe grew up in Western Washington, a 3rd generation Seattle/Tacoma kid. It was as a student at Pacific Lutheran University that Abe landed his first job at KNKX, editing and producing audio for news stories. It was a Christmas Day shift no one else wanted that gave Abe his first on-air experience which led to overnights, then Saturday afternoons, and started hosting Evening Jazz in 1998.