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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.
This Is Extraordinary Video: Tom Jones With Brian Monroney — Just Wonderful, Amazing Music
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Writing a site such as this, a site for fans, one must resist the temptation to gush. But here is — no exaggeration — extraordinary video. And it is a real thrill to be able to introduce it to you. It was shot at Le Parker Meridian Hotel in New York City in December when Tom was in town to do some TV. Accompanied only by the amazing Brian Monroney on guitar, Tom sings We Got Love, If He Should Ever Leave You and Green Green Grass of Home.
Words really fail, so the best suggestion is that you go to the Take-Away Shows website and opt to watch it in high def. But, if you are unable to do so, it’s posted on the TJI.com Video Library. Again, from there you can download it to your desktop using RealPlayer Downloader. And you should so you can watch it on a large screen. You’ll likely never listen to If He Should Ever Leave You the same way again.
The commentary on the Take-Away TV site tells the story of the shoot:
No one ever expects this call. You’re going about your daily life and then it happens. The phone rings, you answer, and Vincent asks: “What do you think about helping on a Take-Away show with Tom Jones?” What do I think? I think it’s Tom whoa whoa whoaaaa mother-f***n’ Jones! Actually . . . I don’t know what to think. But we’re doing it.
Now its time for the second call you don’t expect. The phone rings and our liaison in the lobby passes the information onto us: Tom’s ready; we can go up to the room. There’s some real honest to god Hollywood magic going on up here. Tom is a star from an era before the record industry went bust. In fact, one of the biggest stars of this era and the whole manner of this scene reflects it – the fruit baskets, the amazing view of the city, the manager. His manager is a band manager out of a Woody Allen movie – over zealous, over protective, and hilarious. Tom is still in his bedroom so his manager is talking to us and making sure we’re comfortable, but not too comfortable. I busy myself with the mics and don’t even look up as I ask the body next to me if they think Tom will be ready soon. The body answers yes, and Vincent says, “Umm, Teresa . . .” I look to Vincent, who looks to me, and then we both look to the mystery person I was talking to. Yeah, it’s Tom . . . Jones. Hi.
He’s wearing all black clothing, all gold accessories, and he’s ready whenever we are. The song begins and his booming voice makes my audio levels go crazy! We’re dealing with a singer who really sings! You can tell this man is used to projecting for big audiences – wow, I’m charmed.
The performances continue in flawless form. After each take, the manager erupts: “That was great! Wonderful! Did ya see that? Ya can’t get better than that!” I feel transported to 1965 – the golden years. Although they feel classic and nostalgic, the songs are almost entirely new ones. The real gem probably has to be, If He Should Ever Leave You, if not simply for its unmistakable Tom Jones-ness. That velvety punch. For days after this shoot I will walk down the street singing to myself: “It should be a crime to ever let you go! He should be inclined to keep you very close! No one else compares — you’re a cut above the rest!”
The session ends with the classic hit, Green Green Grass of Home — one of the most successful singles Tom ever released in his 100+ million records sold career and an ode to his native country of Wales. It’s pretty surreal to be sitting in the bedroom with him as he sings this. He does it in one take—– like all the others. It doesn’t quite express my full sentiment when I use the word “professional,” but this is what he embodies. It’s a difference in era and length in career that is so apparent in his performance. It’s amazing.
There are handshakes and hugs as we leave and the manager makes one last joke wearing the metal wastebasket over his head (sorry, but it’s true!). There’s a desk covered in new album sleeves waiting for Tom to autograph. Vincent slips one in his bag. He claims for the track list. I say souvenir! Across the country my mom’s phone rings. She answers and her daughter says, “You’re never going to guess whose room I just left.”
Text by Teresa Eggers/Many thanks to “the other Tom” for alerting me to this.
February 11th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I never commented before and I did not really have to now because you said it all: “amazing” and “wonderful.” Thank you for telling us about this.
February 11th, 2009 at 9:30 am
I think Tom should record all the songs on 24 Hours live in an intimate setting with his own band and put it on DVD, it would be brilliant. Bruce could accompany on The Jitter and Bono and The Edge on Sugar Daddy. Dynamite — wouldn’t it?
February 11th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I can’t wait to go home to see this. Can’t view on the iPhone Omg the wait time is gonna kill me.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Oh ok you just answered my question, cheers! I was wondering if this was Brian as he’s not credited.
By the way, it looked to me that he’s playing electric guitar on all three clips? He even had an effects pedal. And he mentions a loop effect.
Which in turn brings me to another question. Is there a page where we can see all his gear? I love e-guitars and always want to know such details!
February 11th, 2009 at 11:17 am
WOW…PURE GOLD!!! Its so effortless for him. Tom is gifted, talented, gracious, a pro, and Brian was great too. Who knew Don was such a rascal. lol Thanks for the Valentine’s present.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Amazing is right! Hearing Tom’s music this way is like hearing it for the first time — pure, clean, simple: brilliant! Agree with Dre: it’d be fab if Tom could re-record some (if not all) of “24 Hours” this way! I’d buy the whole thing again! Can only hope Tom’s record company and management are seizing the opportunity here and making some DVD’s of this important time in his career.
February 11th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
OMG I just died and went to heaven. Loved the clip I can’t get enough of it. I enjoyed the different camera positions. Tom’s voice Perfect. He looked good too. Thank you for posting. I hope they do and accoustic album or even a show just Tom and Brian oh to die for. Thanks again it was worth the wait.
February 11th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Thanks so much Ellen, you did it again. How fantastic is this? He just continues to amaze…and Brian, stupendous.
February 11th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Simply Amazing. Thanks Much Ellen
February 11th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
Sentito che voce?
February 12th, 2009 at 4:59 am
What power Tom has in his voice,he really is gifted!
February 12th, 2009 at 5:48 am
He really is the greatest singer in the world !!
February 12th, 2009 at 7:13 am
I agree with Martine – to me he really is the greatest singer and I hope he is able to continue entertaining us for many many years to come
February 12th, 2009 at 7:25 am
I’m speechless with TOM’s voice all over again – like hearing him for the first time – hope this and more will be available on a DVD
) I also remember a show TOM singing “What Am I Living For” only with Brian on guitar OMG – please also on DVD!! I think he also sung “Sixteen Tons” and “GGGOH” and yes I wish also for some Blues 
February 12th, 2009 at 7:46 am
This is Wonderful!!
He is “THE VOICE”
February 12th, 2009 at 9:04 am
That was a very wonderful video. I actually prefer just the voice and the acoustic guitar, to the full orchestration for pure at home listening. Naturally, at a concert it’s nice to have the full band.
The one thing I must say….since I’ve now gotten used to the gray, I now find it strange to look at the dyed hair, especially in this au natural video.
February 12th, 2009 at 9:27 am
WOW. WOW. WOW. WOW. THANK YOU.
February 12th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
So simple, yet so POWERFUL! I wonder if he truly realizes the impact his VOICE has on people. It’s like therapy. I’m sure not only to me, but everyone else. Love, love, love him.
February 12th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Thanks for posting this. It’s truley remarkable and surpasses anything Tom has done to promote 24 Hours. As a side issue I have been on the fence with the grey (gray!!!) look, unfortunately these videos have convinced me he should dye his hair. In my opinion he looks better. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t revert to black…or Back To Black as a certain British singer who recently influence Tom might say!!!! Thanks again!!!
February 12th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Going to have to disagree with Norman re: Tom’s hair. He looks a thousand times better WITHOUT the hair dye. He’s STILL so handsome — MERCY!! I LOVE listening to Tom no matter how he sings it, but Tom with a big band — can’t be beat! I, too, think his voice is the best I have ever heard — past or present. Thank you, Ellen — you do a great job keeping us up to date with the fabulous TOM JONES!
February 12th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
All I can say is OMG! What talent and sex appeal!!! There’s nothing else to say.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Thank you so much Ellen! I keep watching the videos over and over again. They’re even better in HD. Thanks again.
February 13th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
It was great just to hear Tom’voice. He makes it seem easy.pure gold
February 26th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
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