Somewhere out there is a special table reserved as the top table for New Orleans pianists, all of them names you'll probably recognise - Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, James Booker, Doctor John, Harry Connick Junior and, especially, Allen Toussaint.
Toussaint's death last November was a cruel blow to the New Orleans music fraternity as his contribution over many decades, but particularly the 60s and 70s , is without peer.
As a songwriter he was legendary; as a recording studio sideman he was incomparable; as a performer in his own right, equally impressive.
Fortunately, following the success of his 2009 album The Bright Mississippi, producer Joe Henry set up further sessions for what was to be a farewell album.
With a generous 14 tracks American Tunes (an extra three tracks are on the vinyl release), named after the Paul Simon song he covers, finds Allen Toussaint in excellent form.