:: Australian Ovation Television Channel Highlights - December 2008

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

Here are the highlights for the Australian Ovation Television Channel for December 2008.
Ovation can be seen on Channel 125 - available on FOXTEL, AUSTAR, Optus and SelecTV

Monday, December 1 at 7.30pm
Australian Television Premiere
Paul Kelly – Live Apples
Australian icon Paul Kelly performs his latest album Stolen Apples along with a selection of classic tunes, including ‘Before Too Long’, ‘To Her Door’ and ‘Dumb Things’ in Toowoomba’s beautiful Empire Theatre. Along with a lively six-piece band, Kelly plays with humour, tenderness and intensity, once again proving why he is Australia’s favourite rocker.

Tuesday, December 2 at 8.30pm
Ovation Premiere
Tony Bennett: An American Classic
In this special docu-musical experience, Tony Bennett sings his classic songs as well as giving tribute to his life and career. Includes recreations of key moments in the singer’s life, as well as special appearances by artists including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Barbara Streisand, and Christina Aguilera.

Friday, December 5 at 8.30pm
ABBA: The Movie
Ovation Premiere
This feature film splices exciting back-stage footage and real-life performances of all ABBA’s greatest hits during their 1977 Australian tour. Nowhere was ABBA’s fame greater than in Australia, where crowds of millions turned up to see their signing idols. The film follows a journalist hoping to interview the Swedish supergroup, and features all the band’s classic hits. A must see for ABBA fans.

Monday, December 8 at 8.30pm (continues 8.00pm every Monday)
Monday Night Legends With Glenn A. Baker
Each Monday, host Glenn A. Baker invites viewers to share in some of the most exciting performances and music documentaries, charting the artists have changed the face of music history. Features artists such as Cat Stevens, John Lennon, Abba, Roy Orbinson, Queen, Bee Gees, Barry Manilow, Dusty Springfield, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, David Bowie, Simply Red, Elton John, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton and Peggy Lee.

Wednesday, December 9 at 7.35pm
Ovation Christmas Special
Charlotte Church: Christmas Dream From the Holy Land
Soprano phenomenon Charlotte Church gives a unique performance of Christmas songs from the Holy Land. The talented young singer brings the magic of Christmas to life with her stunning vocals, performing some of the greatest Yuletide songs and timeless classics.

Tuesday, December 9 at 10.30pm
Helmut Lotti - Out of Africa
Australian Television Premiere
Ovation’s Belgian singing sensation Helmut Lotti conjures the beauty and power of the African landscape with this incredible concert experience. Lotti’s formidable voice is accompanied by the Golden Symphonic Orchestra, singing such classic ballads as ‘Kumbaya My Lord’ and ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’, as well as his own tender composition ‘Out of Africa’. Experience the pulsing heart of this incredible land through the joy of song.

Monday, December 15 at 8.30pm
Ovation Premiere
Elvis Presley: The Early Years
This unique film review draws on rare concert film of Elvis Presley in performance and documentary footage from television and radio archives around the world. Featuring first hand accounts of insiders from the Elvis camp including Scotty Moore, and Ray Walker from the King's backing group, this exciting documentary helps strip away the layers of sensationalism and half truths to produce the ultimate critical review of Elvis Presley, up close
and personal.

Tuesday, December 16 at 7.35pm
Ovation Christmas Special
Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration
Multi-platinum supergroup Celtic Woman combine their rich vocals with colourful instrumentals in this special Christmas celebration live from Dublin. The women combine favourite holiday standards with Gaelic carols, finely weaving between the piety of classical music and the playfulness of pop to deliver a stunning performance.

Monday, December 22 at 8.30pm
Ovation Premiere
Elvis: The Later Years
This is the insider‘s story of the King and his music as told firsthand by the people who knew Elvis best. Featuring live concert footage from Hawaii in 1973, alongside the first hand reflections of those who knew and worked with the King personally, including musicians Bill Baiz, Larry Strickland and Ronnie Tutt from Elvis’ band, Joe Guercio Elvis‘ music director, Loanne Parker the Colonel's secretary, road manager Joe Esposito and Sam Thompson Elvis’ bodyguard from 1972-1977.

Monday, December 22 at 9.30pm
Ovation Premiere
The Clash
Monday Night Legends host Glenn A Baker hosts this rockumentary, which charts the rise and fall of one of the world’s most influential bands. Starting out as rebellious young teens, the band’s raw energy and unforgettable sound quickly placed them at the forefront of the punk movement. Despite various internal conflicts, their differing
influences combined to create a timeless and incredibly influential force, changing the face of rock music forever.

Wednesday, December 24 at 7.00pm
Australian Television Premiere
Leo in Europe - Helmut Lotti
Flemish superstar Helmut Lotti speaks with Leo Schofield in this special conversation, filmed on location near his home town near Antwerp. Drawing vocally from the dulcet tones of the 1950’s crooners, Lotti has gained incredible popularity all over the world with his immense repertoire. From classical music to jazz and his own compositions, Lotti has wowed audiences with his talent and charisma. Born in Ghent in Belgium, Lotti began his career as, of all things, an Elvis Presley impersonator. Indeed, at one stage he was known as the New Elvis, but he changed tack and in 1995 recorded the first of a long series of ‘Helmut Lotti Goes Classic’ albums that brought him fame throughout Europe and beyond. Lotti has sold over 13 million albums worldwide and received over 80 platinum and 70 gold albums.