Rock legend Allen Toussaint joins host Andras Jones for an hour of Pop Oracle divinations featuring questions from some of Radio8Ball’s favorite guests.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question 1: Andras Jones: "How do you know if you’re on your way up or down?"
Answer 1: ELVIS COSTELLO & ALLEN TOUSSAINT: Tears, Tears and More Tears

I took the inspiration for my question from Allen Toussaint’s song, “On Your Way Down” and got my favorite song from “The River In Reverse” as my answer. Interestingly, the day after this was recorded The New York Times ran an article about Elvis Costello and his upcoming tour with his spinning wheel of songs. I immediately started getting e-mails from people who were worried that Elvis stole my idea. I let them know that Elvis first toured with a wheel back in 1985, thirteen years before I started Radio8Ball, and he doesn't do musical divinations, although I bet he does experience some sweet synchronicities at his shows with the wheel. It did make me think that it would be a lot of fun to do some musical divinations with rock and roll’s king of comedy one of these days.

Question 2: Lili Haydn: "Am I supposed to have a baby?"
Answer 2: ROBERT PLANT & ALLISON KRAUSS: Fortune Teller

I’ve known Lili for half of my life. Her mother Lotus Weinstock was a good friend to me when I was just a kid in Hollywood. Looking back on this answer now it seems pretty clear to me that if Lili is “supposed” to have a baby, then it probably should be with me, her fortune teller. I’m game but I don’t know what her boyfriend will think of that.

Question 3: Derek Sheen: "Is the emotional blockage temporary and what can I do about it?”
Answer 3: LOWELL GEORGE: What Do You Want The Girl To Do?

This was probably the highlight of the show for me, particularly getting the opportunity to hip Mr. Toussaint to the work of Lowell George’s daughter Inara George. It felt a little like being the guy who tells Obi-Wan that Vader's kid is hanging out on Tatooine collecting droids and racing his landspeeder.

Question 4: Mike Viola & Dan Bern: "Will we ever get to collaborate with Allen Toussaint?"
Answer 4: LEE DORSEY: My Old Car

I love how Mike & Dan use their time with The Pop Oracle to schmooze our guest. At first I was dubious, as you can hear, but the answer was perfect and led to a great little craftsman dialogue between two generations of cats so, after an initial “breakdown” we all managed to find our way home. Nice.

Question 5: Allen Toussaint: "Where is the music going?"
Answer 5: ALLEN TOUSSAINT: Southern Nights

At this point in the podcast things get relaxed and personal as Mr. Toussaint’s own question leads to the only selection featuring him as the singer. His reminiscences of the inspiration for one of my favorite songs, as well as his insight into the production are absolutely priceless. I could have spent several more hours just talking music and life with this gracious southern gentleman but he had to get back to being a legend and I had a bar to tend.

A few days after the fact, I can't help but imagine a series of Radio8Ball Shows with Allen and Elvis and Lili and Dan and Mike and Inara and Derek. Maybe produced by Judd Apatow. Would be one heackuva show. In the mean time, I'm looking forward to seeing Mr. Toussaint at Jazz Alley next week. Maybe I'll see you there.