After receiving some feedback from Community readers, it’s come to our attention that our constituency would like us to devote more content to decent jams. So today, The Community takes a look at a true diamond in the rough, Allen Toussaint’s exceptional 1970 album, From a Whisper to a Scream. So much to like about this album and artist — so we’ll delve into both.
While New Orleans piano legend Toussaint never received the mainstream noteriety as many of his musical cohorts, that’s not to say he didn’t have his hand in the music of some his generations most famous performers. Fats Domino, The Neville Brothers, Otis Redding, Lee Dorsey, Jerry Garcia, The Yardbirds, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Meters, Robert Plant, Dr. John (who plays organ/guitar on From a Whisper to a Scream), Paul McCartney, Little Feat, Paul Simon, Robert Palmer, Bonnie Raitt, The Band, Lenny Kravitz, and even some hip hop artisits all gained from Toussaint’s brilliance in one capacity or another. Whether it was performing songs he wrote or produced, covering some of his originals, or sampling from his compositions, Toussaint’s ingenuity transcended musical styles — and deeply resonated among some of the most influential artists of his time.
From a Whisper to Scream provides a powerful sampling of Toussaint’s versatility and appeal among those who inspire. Emitting ingredients of heartfelt soul, upbeat funk, exquisite vocals, and heightened spirit — every jam on this album offers extraordinary musical substance, and feel-good, introspective beauty. Oft-covered numbers like the title track, ”Working in the Coalmine,” and “Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky” exhibit the authenticity of the artist’s pioneering stylings. Legendary jam “Louie” showcases a building, expressive patterning of joyous animation, while “Sweet Touch of Love” is filled with the exact feeling of the track’s title.
One listen through this album will excite a range of emotion — from mellowing out, to head-bobbing invigoration, to R&B that encourages a bit of playfulness. Indeed, Allen Toussaint is a true treasure in the American musical landscape, and From a Whisper to a Scream is perhaps the greatest illumination of his resplendent liveliness and sparkle. The Community sincerely hopes our readers have the opportunity to bask in his profound decency.
Filed under: tunes
