For auld lang syne
Jools’ Annual Hootenanny, BBC2, 11.10pm.
of all Emeli Sande who seems to have appeared on every show on TV in the past few months and given her debut album Our Version Of Events was the UK’s biggest-selling of the year, it would be odd if she wasn’t on Hootenanny.
Other newcomers include Lianne La Havas, who has also had something of a special year. Tipped for success at the start of 2012, her debut Is Your Love Big Enough? was recently named album of the year by iTunes. Then there’s Jake Bugg, whose Lightning Bolt will be well worth staying up late for.
Over on the other side of the studio will be a man at the other end of his career, Bobby Womack. His album The Bravest Man In The Universe was made with Damon Albarn and Richard Russell earlier this year and, even though he will remain seated for his performance, the size of his voice should more than makes up for any physicality.
Also at the more mature end of the scale, there’s Petula Clark. She’s 80, but neither looks nor sounds it as she prepares to run through I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love and, of course, Downtown, backed by Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
They also back Ruby Turner through a few numbers, soul queen Bettye Lavette, Lianne La Havas and Paloma Faith too, plus Fine Young Cannibal Roland Gift, who sings out 2012 with a classic, and Kevin Rowland of Dexys Midnight Runners. A party really isn’t a party without Come On Eileen, is it?And let’s not forget The Pipes And Drums from the 1st Battalion Scots Guards.
It won’t be just musicians enjoying a party on the night. Joining in will be comedians Greg Davies, Jon Culshaw and John Bishop, with The Thick Of It’s Peter Capaldi, Professor Green, Nick Knowles and Fiona Bruce
“I think we capture something very special,” says Jools. “It’s about getting the balance of artists just right and when each performs beautifully, the atmosphere is just fantastic.”