Tom Jones International

All we can say is CHEERS! Inside Scoop is back and is reporting to us from the UK, having been able to take in a bit O’Tom on tour. Apparently Scoop is, to coin a phrase, a stranger in a strange land there and it takes some getting used to. So the Travel Trials of Scoop — amusing to all and familiar to those who have been to Britain — take some telling. But it is worth it. All we can say is that we missed our Scoop and cannot wait to hear about Cardiff. (Hint, Hint.)

The UK is an “interesting” place. The UK is very expensive, especially when paying with American dollars.

Trying to cross the street in the UK is a daunting expedition. You become a swivel-head in an instant. Look left first, then right? No, look right first, then left? Yea, that’s it, I think. Too late, the light changed (BEEP!). We’ll have another go at it when the light once again changes from yellow to green. Yes, from yellow to green.

When dealing with traffic and “cues,” everyday is “Opposite Day” in the UK. Once you wrap your brain around that, you just want to park the rental car and hop into one of those funny lookin’ bubble-top cabs scurrying about. They seem to know where they are going.

The double-decker city busses are a real eye opener too, as they suddenly whiz past you going the “wrong” way! I do need a drink. Not a problem here. I give alms and praise to the mighty “spirit” world. “Another pint of that ale, Simon!” Aaah, this trip is starting to feel good!

You probably know this already, but for those of you less traveled, if you’re coming to the UK, “don’t leave home without it.” I’m referring to the cash from the second mortgage you’ll have to take out to fund such a self-indulgent junket! Holy cow!

Now having said all of that, let me say, after having seen Sir Tom Jones in many, many venues throughout America, seeing Sir Tom Jones in the UK is worth the exorbitant expense. He is still their “homeboy” and his fans embrace him with every fiber of their mostly non-rhythmic beings. You’ve heard nothing until you hear fifteen thousand people singing Fall In Love at the top of their lungs, while swaying every which way with arms reaching for the sky. Brings joy to the heart.





Though Mr Jones has been quite “Americanized” for decades, his fans in the UK consider him to be a true blue Brit through and through. Tom’s affinity for his home country of Wales is no secret of course. More than a few fans have been draped in huge Welsh flags at the UK shows. Are we seeing Tom Jones or is a soccer match going to erupt any second? Loyalty here is fierce.

In the U.S. Mr. Jones plays showrooms and medium-sized venues, except for his recent, and most amazing, two nights at the Hollywood Bowl a few months back.

Here in the UK, Sir fills up arenas generally reserved for ice hockey and soccer shoot outs! Fun stuff! And everyone at the show participates in some way. There’s singing, clapping, swaying with arms raised high, dancing in the aisles… The panties want to make it to the stage but they never do. The crash barriers and the mere size of the stage prevent that. Still, panties struggle to swim upstream, only to disappear into the chasm at the foot of the stage. The floor of the arena, rather than the stage was littered with panties.

Let’s talk about the new set list. This is a sensitive time when learning can take place, and order can be restored in the world (of Tom Jones). If you are open to it.

Like food, a musical recipe can have too many ingredients. We’ve got jazz, standards, the hits, rock lite, gut bucket blues of some kind, with a smattering of funk-pop. The flow of the show is rather unsteady. Song transitions are a little shaky. The audiences have responded overwhelmingly to the latter part of the show when Tom does his signature hit songs (somewhat grouped together). The other stuff seems more like amalgamated filler than well thought-out choices.

However, I must give credit to the outstanding jazz arrangements. Tom’s band, led by musical director (and guitar player) Brian Monroney simply kicks huge booty! Powerful stuff and awesome to listen to. Tom sounds great on these tunes too. They did cause me to pause a bit, in that I’m not accustomed to hearing Tom Jones do jazz in arena settings. But then again, I’m not accustomed to seeing Tom in arena settings! Does it work? Well, the nurse may find a pulse. Though colorful and flavor-filled, I think jazz might be better suited for the supper clubs in Las Vegas.

Now, having said that, let me say, since this is a new show, let’s give it a little time to develop. Like so many critics before me who have been quick to slam the door on a budding product, let’s give the new set list a chance. Let it marinate.

Tom is sounding good. Seems the long September hiatus has been good for “the voice.” His stage attire remains unchanged. Tom’s still adjusting to the new material. There have been a few pregnant pauses in the flow of the show. Not sure what’s causing these. Equipment malfunctions? Computer glitches perhaps?

Judging solely by the audience, Mr. Jones is just as popular as ever with his loyal British fans. The Brits tend to be, well, somewhat reserved in their overall demeanor. Save for the weekend when during all hours of the night, I watched late night revelers literally staggering up and down skinny streets. I guess they were going home. They were going somewhere! Instinct must have assisted, because reason didn’t appear to be in their favor.

On a more personal note, I’ve grown a little weary of the food here. Being that Tom and I probably dine on differing levels, I would love to happen upon some familiar fare to tickle my confused gullet, and fill my insatiable bottomless pit. A Fat Burger or maybe a Philly Cheesesteak would do me nicely right about now. One must have adequate and, may I add, familiar “nourishment” if one is going to chase Mr. Jones all over the UK. He’s sitting comfortably in the lounge of his immense tour bus, while I’m doing my best to avoid anymore near head on collisions in my very tiny UK bubble car. A Volkswagen bug zoomed by me just yesterday and caused me to fishtail! Not really.

I haven’t watched any news lately or seen much television. As a result, the world feels like a better place to me. Reality not withstanding, the world IS a better place, for a short while anyway. Tom Jones in the UK is something to see for sure. So is the UK, for the most part.




Scoop… out!