Finally, NBC has posted an MP3 of “O Holy Night,” the amazing “Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip” performance by the Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews-led New Orleans horn band, which aired last Monday.
The Studio 60 “Christmas Show” episode repeats on December 18, and it’s worth watching for more than the music.
The dialogue is sharper, character development more focused and (very important to critical detractors of the show in its early days) the comedy in the fictitious variety show is much, much better. The “Dateline: To Catch A Predator” sketch was funnier than anything on SNL last night.
I do hope they keep this show on the air. Matthew Perry’s character is so much more satisfying (to me, anyway) than his one-dimensional “Friends” role. Bradley Whitford is always good, and the relationship developing between him and Amanda Peet is a good story move. I’m waiting for Steve Weber’s network chairman to throw a monkey wrench into that one. Whose baby is it, really?
Back to the music – this song is even more beautiful without the dialogue. Thanks, NBC. If the sole legacy of “Studio 60” were just “O Holy Night” and the shout-out to New Orleans music it engendered, that would be more than a lot of shows I could name.
Download it here. Right click and save is best.
Note: NBC took down the file, so I’m engaging in a little guerrilla promotion to ensure this song is heard. Send a donation to Tipitina’s Foundation to show your gratitude.
localrhythms.wordpress.com 
Thanks for sharing the “O Holy Night” Mp3 of Trombone Shorty, from NBC’s Studio 60 tv broadcast. I THOUGHT I LOST THIS AMAZING PERFORMANCE AND ARRANGEMENT AND RECORDING FOREVER, NBC no longer has it on their website. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, IT GAVE ME SHIVERS THE SOUND IS SO GOOD IT REMINDED ME OF THE OLD SHEFFIELD LABS RECORDING ON DIRECT TO DISC OF LINCOLN MAYORGA,, A MUST LISTEN. AMAZING AMAZING PERFORMANCE AND RECORDING QUALITY!
I have to echo Les’ gratitude above. I, too, thought I wouldn’t be able to recover this haunting, reverent version of O Holy Night. This one song has generated hope and goodness when it’s needed in large supply. Thank you, Trombone Shorty, for playing from the heart and for New Orleans. Thank you, NBC, for bringing Trombone and his singular sound to mainstream audiences. And thank you, AlgoRhythms, for putting it back out there for us to download. You’re allowing us to have it for free, so I’ll pay it forward with a contribution to The Tipitinas Foundation.
What a FANTASTIC version of this timeless classic. Simply beautiful.
Hi, I was wondering if I could get a copy of this song. My wife and I ran across it the other day watching an old episode of Studio 60, and we LOVE it! However, we can’t find it anywhere. Any chance you could send me a copy? Thanks!
Muchas gracias por fabulosa pieza desde México. Peace!!!
I transcribed the recording. Sheet music available for purchase here (also a video of a performance of the transcription) – http://studio60oholynightsheetmusic.weebly.com/