Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
Sir Tom Jones Opens Tonight In Atlantic City
Friday, November 28th, 2008It’s always so odd to read the listings for Tom’s appearances in AC. (For the first time, he’s at the Trump Marina which, we’re told, hasn’t retained the glory of the days when it was Harrahs Marina.) They actually mention Little Lonely One and Once Upon A Time. 24 Hours does get a mention but of all the tracks, they only cite The Hitter. On second thought, though, AC is in New Jersey and The Boss is, rightfully, a major point of pride in that state. And, here in Nevada, it gets kind of tiresome to read about Tom Jones as exemplar of Las Vegas casino performance. He is not now, nor was he ever, a lounge act. These writers should get over it.
At any rate, we’re looking forward to reports from friends at the show — will he do Sugar Daddy? — and will bring them to you ASAP.
Tom Jones at Trump Marina
From The Press of Atlantic City
WHO IS HE: With the possible exceptions of Wayne Newton and Elvis Presley, no artist is more synonymous with the Las Vegas casino performance style than Tom Jones. The Welsh baritone was part of the original British invasion during the 1960s and hit the big time with the 1965 hit single It’s Not Unusual. Other hits, including Once Upon a Time, Little Lonely One, With These Hands and What’s New Pussycat? were soon to follow. Over the years, Jones covered various styles of music including pop, rock, country, dance, techno and show tunes, yet his distinct singing style has always remained a constant. His 1988 cover of Prince’s Kiss is a good example of Jones’ experimentation with different genres.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Despite the fact that Jones is now in his late 60s, he still receives his fair share of women’s lingerie at every show. The man has been considered a sex symbol since the mid-1960s and is notorious for working this angle into his live show, which is sure to feature an unbuttoned shirt, tight pants, gyrating hips and an abundance of hit singles. It’s not unusual to see 50- and 60-year-old women screaming and carrying on like teenage school girls at a Tom Jones concert. The lingerie tossing is as much of ritual at a Jones show as tossing a bouquet of roses to a stage actor is at the end of a theater production. Fans can expect to hear all of their favorites as well as songs from Jones’ new album 24 Hours.
WHAT’S NEW: Jones’ new album, 24 Hours, was released Tuesday and contains 13 tracks, including a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s The Hitter.
WEB SITE: www.tomjones.com
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $40 and $60. The shows begin 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Trump Marina’s Grand Cayman.
