"The New Orleans R. & B. legend Allen Toussaint just released 'The Bright Mississippi,' his first solo record in more than ten years. A smoldering instrumental collection of jazz standards and Big Easy fare..."
- The New Yorker

"Allen Toussaint is the jewel in New Orleans's crown, not merely the most distinctive of soul songwriter/producers, but a virtuoso piano stylist with an unparalleled knowledge of the city's musical development."
- Independent (London), 4 star

"If one person were to be picked to represent the long curv of greatness that is New Orleans music, it should probably be Allen Toussaint. His wide-ranging talents spread from pianist, songwriter, singer, producer and general goodwill ambassador for the Crescent City, and no one has ever done it with more class."
- Sonic Boomers, Bentley's Bandstand

"Toussaint sounds as eternal as New OrleansÉ Whether he's reworking Ellington, Bechet or Reinhardt, Toussaint infuses the numbers with his own elegant funk, particularly evident in his piano work, never so varied and flowing."
- Milo Miles on Fresh Air, NPR

"Mr. Toussaint brings to these songs his own elegant, reserved sensibility... This is a jazz record for people who think they don't like jazz..."
- Ben Ratliff, The New York Times

"Pure Ellington and Monk, as well as pure Toussaint, emotionally and structurally expansive, yet as keenly done as one of Toussaint's perfectly knotted ties."
- Will Hermes, Rolling Stone

"Jazz albums don't come much better."
- Mat Snow, MOJO, 4 star

"When asked about Allen Toussaint, Van Dyke Parks once said, 'he's the greatest piano player alive, only no one knows it...including him.' High praise from one legend to another."
- Mike Perciaccante, All About Jazz

"Allen Toussaint - the veteran New Orleans pianist, songwriter and producer - has just made what may be the finest jazz recording of 2009É it makes little difference how you categorize it - this is simply wonderful music. Its backbone is the pianism and imagination of its leader, a musician to treasure in 2009."
- Will Lyman, Pop Matters, 9/10 review

"Albums such as this serve to remind us how much pop across the Western world owes to New Orleans."
- John Bungey, The Times (London), 4 star

"Toussaint is a terrific piano player, a gift put to exquisite use on this collection of old jazz standards. Joe Henry's relaxed, pin-sharp production makes it sound like the whole session is taking place in your own front room."
- Peter Kane, Q (London)