Free download of Studio 60's Christmas musical performance
If you didn't see Studio 60's Christmas episode, then you should. Not only was it one of the show's best, but it featured a musical performance by New Orleans musicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina that's sure to put a lump in your throat. The musicians were led by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews in an original arrangement of "O Holy Night." You hear carols a thousand times, and after awhile, they lose the power to move you. This performance brought all that power back. You can now download the track as a free MP3 from NBC's Studio 60 website or iTunes.The musicians, who included Andrews, Kirk Joseph, Kid Merv, Roderick Paulin, Bob French, Steve Walker and Frederick Shepherd, were assembled with the help of the Tipitina Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping artists recover from the Hurricane. If you watched Spike Lee's When the Levees Broke, which will be released on DVD December 19th, you know that there is still much recovering to do. Another group of musicians was featured in that film - the Hot 8 Brass Band - a group I have made my family promise to book for my funeral no matter the cost. They also have a handful of free MP3 downloads online. So, what are you waiting for? Support some New Orleans musicians this Festivus season.
[Thanks to readers Creanium and Lacey for the tip.]

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