One of the New Orleans greats, that’s what we can safely call Allen Toussaint. The 74-year-old R&B legend is well-known as a producer, composer, (session)pianist, arranger and solo artist. He worked with numerous artists and wrote countless hits that were covered many times and in many different styles. Toussaint was born in New Orleans and started playing piano at age seven. Ten years later, he made his professional debut when asked to fill in at a live performance. For his latest album, 2009’s ‘The Bright Mississippi’, produced by Joe Henry, Toussaint received a 2010 Grammy nomination. His treasure chest should by now be overflowing with prizes for his work as a musician, composer, producer and arranger. This year, Toussaint was inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame. At Curacao North Sea Jazz, he will be playing with clarinetist Don Byron and guitarist Marc Ribot.