Good point, Al. It's something I couldn't put my finger on until you summed it up. A bit like TOTP recorded live (except it ain't live, apparently each band gets two live takes prior to broadcast, with the best one used to jump about to unplugged for the cameras), there is no rapport built, the toe-curling interviews and that sideways look on Jools that only disappears when he's tinkling the ivories (very well, true).

Sharon Shannon did the Found Harmonium set on the prog, about 10 years ago, I suppose, and it never got going, as you said.

Curious, but perhaps it is an excellent pianist promoted out of his comfort zone, no chance to engage with any of the bands, and the forelock tugging to celebs.