The best music (Later with Jools Holland)

Member Name: Bryn Pearson

Product:	Later with Jools Holland
Date:	10/10/02 (113 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: ecclectic

Disadvantages: on too late

"Later with Jools Holland" is, I think, the best music program ever to appear on TV, and it is a tragedy and a waste that this excellent program is only ever shown so late at night that many viewers can't access it. It should be prime time viewing rather than then mindless pap that is generally available for consumption.

Back when I had regular access to a TV, this was one of the few programs I would make an effort to watch.

There are two things that make this an outstanding thing to watch. Firstly, Jools Holland himself. Jools is a laid back presenter who, rather than trying to hog the limelight and show everone how 'clever' he is (just think of the pratting about and ego massaging that Chris Evans liked to do on air) actually presents. The show is about the music and the performers, with Jools Holland introducing, interviewing and joining in. His relaxed but intelligent approach to presenting is a pleasure to watch. Furthermore, he clearly knows a good deal about music and musicians.

The second brilliant feature is the sheer eccelecticism of the show. Far too many music programs are genre orrientated - the most ecclectic other thing being the charts. Look to MTV and you get programs devoted to specific types of music. On Jools Holland, you'll find a big name like Radiohead rubbing shoulders with an 80 year old jazz pianist, an acappella band from somewhere you've never heard of, a couple of bright young things and someone famous from back when who you were sure had actually died.... there's a wonderful mix of styles and sounds, so you never know what is coming next.

The format seems to bring out the best in the musicians who appear - its a serious music program and so guests take themselves seriously. As everyone performs live, you get to see if they are actually any good when you take away the hype and the effects. Sometimes quite startling things happen that can leave you seeing a performer i
n a different light. The odd bits of chat between Jools and his guests can bring some intersting insights.

By mixing music genres, "Later" encourages people to consider a broader listening range than they might otherwise do. If you tune in to follow your pop idol who happens to be appearing, you may well get introduced to some styles of music that you would never have tried before. I used to watch it with my Gran sometimes - she liked the jazz and the world music, but it gave her an insight into contemporary material which she found interesting, and otherwise she might never have given some modern performers a chance.

Its such an ideal show for family viewing because it caters to such a broad range of tastes. Why is it on so late?

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