TV: Jools on song yet again

There's only one place to be on Hogmanay and that's in front of the box with a bottle of something bubbly while watching Jools and his various musical guests as they greet 2011 in style.

Now in its 18th year, Jools' Annual Hootenanny is synonymous with the festive period and nearly as much of a tradition as turkey and cranberry sauce is at Christmas.

The music man has had quite a year. He's been a busy boy, what with his seminal music show, Later with Jools Holland, celebrating its 37th series and millions of music fans tuning into catch the 250-episode milestone, as well as preparing for another tour with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

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Over the years, Jools has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians and songwriters in the world, a list that extends from Eric Clapton, Sting, Luther Vandross and BB King, to Dr John, Paul Weller and George Harrison.

Jools' CV boasts collaborations with some of the most talented people on the face of the earth, so does he still have a hit-list of who'd love to work with on his show?

He says: "I always wanted to get Gladys Knight on, and a year or so ago she was, but it was just her.

"I'd love to get her with the big band. I also wrote a song Ray Charles was going to sing, but unfortunately he died before he could perform it, and I've never played with Aretha Franklin before."

Well, 2010 has been a big year for music and here's the chance to see some of the acts of the moment perform in this exciting music extravaganza. We've witnessed some unique collaborations on the Hootenanny over the years, and it in no way looks set to disappoint this time around.

Pop goddess Kylie Minogue finishes off yet another fantastic year with the presenter, as she dusts down some of her classic hits, while Gnarls Barkley frontman Cee-lo Green will also be popping in.

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But in true Hootenanny fashion, of course, that's not all. Jools will also be joined by The Who's Roger Daltrey, the original Queen of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson, veteran reggae star Toots Hibbert, street-soul performer Plan B, singer-songwriter Rumer, folk supergroup Bellowhead, American indie band Vampire Weekend and acoustic duo Secret Sisters. Phew! There's more talent here than you can shake a finely tuned rhythm stick at.

And if that's not enough to convince you to tune in, there'll also be Rico Rodriquez, Ruby Turner, the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, and the new decade will be brought in by the pipes and drums of the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards.

JOOLS' ANNUAL HOOTENANNY (BBC Two, 11pm)

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