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The Bright Mississippi
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The Bright Mississippi Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame producer/musician from New Orleans releases his first major jazz album produced by Joe Henry.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    91
    It defines vicinity so broadly that you'll also find Beiderbecke and Reinhardt, two Ellington tunes, songs by a jazz critic and Ed Sullivan's bandleader.
  2. Billboard
    90
    The inspiring combination lifts the album far beyond tribute material into sonic territory all its own.
  3. AllMusic
    90
    Upon the first listen, The Bright Mississippi merely seems like a joyous good time, but subsequent spins focus attention on just how rich and multi-layered this wonderful music is.
  4. Mojo
    80
    Jazz albums don't come much better. [May 2009, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Slant Magazine
    80
    Toussaint gives each of the instruments room to explore, breaking free of the structure of the song and marking it with his own distinctive stamp. It's this loose, spirited mood that makes the album's interpretations so smooth and effective.
  6. The New York Times
    80
    It’s a producer’s record. And it works, possibly because Mr. Toussaint is no pushover.
  7. Q Magazine
    60
    He's a terrific piano player, a gift put to exquisite use on this collection of old jazz standards. [Jun 2009, p.132]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. BradleyP
    May 14, 2009
    10
    I don't give out 10s very easily, but this is simply one of the most joyous and listenable jazz recordings I have heard in many years. I don't give out 10s very easily, but this is simply one of the most joyous and listenable jazz recordings I have heard in many years. Fantastic nuance, gorgeous tone, delicious interplay and above all impeccable taste. Repeat listens just give more and more, and it doesn't get better than that. Toussaint has assembled an all-star cast, but it is his vision, his history and his gigantic piano sound that steers this album. If I'd seen this performed live, I could die a happy man right on the spot.… Expand
  2. MarkS
    Jun 21, 2009
    9
    My honey and I honeymooned in New Orleans, and we recently purchased this CD, and it sounded so good as we drove around in the rain.
  4. MartinCSJ
    May 2, 2012
    9
    This is a great album because of its mix of traditional and modern approaches to the new orleans jazz idiom. Really swings and smokesThis is a great album because of its mix of traditional and modern approaches to the new orleans jazz idiom. Really swings and smokes throughout and is just plain fun to listen to.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best Album of 2009