American Tunes is the final recording from the late New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint, who sadly passed away last November, just after completing the album.

The collection features solo and band performances, with works by Toussaint, Professor Longhair, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Paul Simon, and others. The album was produced by Joe Henry and features Jay Bellerose, Bill Frisell, Rhiannon Giddens, Greg Leisz, Charles Lloyd, David Piltch, and Van Dyke Parks.

Allen Toussaint’s work as composer, producer, arranger, and performer, especially in the 1960s and ‘70s, helped shape the sound of R&B, soul, and funk as we know it today. He collaborated memorably with artists ranging from Lee Dorsey and Ernie K. Doe to the Pointer Sisters and Labelle, from the Meters and Dr. John to the Band and Paul McCartney. His name is one that is synonymous with the music of New Orleans.

Track listing:

1. Delores’ Boyfriend (Allen Toussaint)

2. Viper’s Drag (Thomas “Fats” Waller)

3. Confessin’ (That I Love You) (Doc Daugherty, Ellis Reynolds & Al Neiburg)

4. Mardis Gras in New Orleans (Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd)

5. Lotus Blossom (Billy Strayhorn)

6. Waltz For Debby (Bill Evans)

7. Big Chief (Earl King)

8. Rocks In My Bed (Duke Ellington)

9. Danza, Op. 33 (Louis Moreau Gottschalk)

10. Hey Little Girl (Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd)

11. Rosetta (Earl “Fatha” Hines)

12. Come Sunday (Duke Ellington)

13. Southern Nights (Allen Toussaint)

14. American Tune (Paul Simon)