June 03, 2005

Toussaint On The Side



"Goin' Down" (Allen Toussaint)
Claudia Lennear. from Phew,Warner Bros, 1973

Gone

Claudia Lennear’s 1973 album, Phew, produced by Ian Samwell, had an interesting collection of songs and players, using a different set of musicians on each side. Side one was a rootsy affair with a band including Ry Cooder on guitar and several members of the Dixie Flyers rhythm section (Jim Dickinson and Tommy McClure). But, it was side two where the HOTG influences came in, as all the songs were Allen Toussaint compositions. In addition, Toussaint was on the sessions playing piano, singing some backup (as heard on this tune), doing the hot horn arrangements, and otherwise providing “musical supervision”, as noted in the credits.

The only other New Orleans name making the date was Harold Battiste, Jr. on alto sax; but the rest of the second side tracking team were some of the best, like Chuck Rainey on bass, Jim Keltner on drums, Spooner Oldham on electric piano, to name but a few. Together with Toussaint, they laid down a spicy, funk backing for Lennear’s vocals on our featured tune. She had been a background singer on projects by Cooder, Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, and Al Kooper, among others, and had a strong voice that could be gritty and convincing; but, it was not all that distinctive. Still, she is heard to good effect on “Goin’ Down”, which Toussiant first recorded in 1972 on his Life, Love and Faith album. It was also covered memorably in 1975 by the Pointer Sisters.

At the time of this record, Toussaint was also a Warner Bros. artist, as were the Meters, who he produced. His talents were appreciated by other label-mates such as Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat, who were covering his tunes; and he was on the verge of a string of production work for many national acts. Yet, although Lennear’s backing musicians, arrangements, and material were top rate, Phew was not successful; and she did not record another album, as far as I know
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8 Comments:

Blogger Larry Grogan said...

Dan
Another cool tune. LOVE that rolling piano! I remember her name from the Leon Russell & The Shelter People LP (an all-time fave).
Larry

12:11 PM, June 03, 2005  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love this LP but foolishly sold it when CDs came along (thinking it would be reissued). Why can't I find it anywhere on CD? What gives?

10:29 AM, March 31, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This was such great album. Gave mine away (along with 200 other collectibles!). Really hoping it will become available on CD at some point.

Does anyone know where she is today? Is Claudia still with us?

4:20 PM, January 20, 2008  
Blogger MUSIC MEIHO said...

Nice Post. Thank You!

11:47 PM, May 10, 2008  
Blogger the Grape said...

Claudia may be in the Memphis area working as a bank teller. I have this LP on cdr.

9:12 AM, July 21, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes she's very well with us. I worked with her recently. She still got the pipes and she's a very talented woman. I hope she makes another album, but I don't know if she can fit in this day and age...

She's living in sunny California

10:35 PM, June 26, 2009  
Blogger Brian Ferdman said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

8:49 AM, March 11, 2011  
Blogger Dan Phillips said...

If you have a relevant link to share, please email it to me. I will gladly detrmine if it is valid and seems safe. Then I will post it in the comments, or, in some cases, on the original post itself.
Thanks.

10:10 AM, March 11, 2011  

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