good television

There were times watching the West Wing I wished that President Bartlett wasn’t a fictional president. Aaron Sorkin wrote a dignity and majesty into the Office that hasn’t always been present in my lifetime. Watching Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip online tonight (I know, I was behind) I had a similar wish that Danny Tripp and Matt Albie were actual television producers.

It was Studio 60’s Christmas episode. Writer Matt Albie was determined to make the LA studio feel like Christmas and producer Danny Tripp did his best to help by assembling special music guests: musicians from New Orleans.

Featured with a speaking role and a blistering solo was the brilliant trumpeter (and trombonist) Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. For the “show,” he and Kirk Joseph on sousaphone, Roderick Paulin on saxophone, Frederick Shepherd on saxophone, Steve Walker on trombone and Mervin “Kid Merv” Campbell on trumpet played an emotional O Holy Night. Pictures of their home city served as a backdrop.

The scene was everything that good television can be. It was a great way to raise awareness for the Tipitina Foundation, and it was a poignant reminder of what is really important this holiday season. NBC has made the track available as an mp3, and it is a wonderful addition to any holiday playlist.

O Holy Night

Bonus link 1: catch up on old Studio 60 episodes with iTunes.
Bonus link 2: more music from the show. Previous guests Sting and Corinne Bailey Rae were outstanding.