One of my favorite things about writing the Music Monthly is pointing out those Nashville artists appearing on nationally-broadcast shows. There never fails to be a Nashville connection somewhere in the schedule each month. December is no exception, with our own Faith Hill in a spectacular new Soundstage special, "Joy To The World." Backed by a full orchestra under the direction of conductor David Campbell (the go-to guy for orchestral arrangements on many Nashville records), and recorded in Chicago at Sears Centre Arena, the special features swinging, big-band versions of festive holiday classics “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Holly, Jolly Christmas.” Hill is joined by a choir for the spiritual songs “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night” and “A Baby Changes Everything,” while the entire orchestra celebrates with her on the title song. 

Alison Bonaguro of CMT.com was there the night the show was taped, and if her review is any indication, you're going to get caught up in it and "feel all Norman Rockwelly inside." 

"From the minute she belted out the first note of “Joy to the World,” it was impossible not to get swept up in her gorgeous take on all the holiday classics," Bonaguro writes.

Among the other notable music programs this month is a celebration of the Philadelphia sound. If you think the soul music of Philadelphia began with Hall & Oates -- I'm certain you don't -- get (adult) educated with Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia, Part 1 on Saturday, December 6. On December 2, try to wrap your head around the magnitude of monster pop hits that producer and songwriter David Foster has had his hand in with Great Performances Hitman: David Foster and Friends.

As we close out 2008 with our year-end pledge drive, we're happy to it with another great month of music programming. Thanks for watching. Have a great holiday season!

(You did get the "adult education" reference, didn't you?)