Tom Jones International

Tonight, the Las Vegas community of British ex-pats held a party to celebrate their Britishness at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. The evening was highlighted by a show, introduced by Robin Leach, that recalled vintage Vegas. The performers included Zowie Bowie, a bagpipe and drum band and Domenick Allen, former lead singer of Foreigner who also starred in a musical about F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald called The Beautiful and The Damned. I mention that because the musical was written by a songwriter whose work we all know — Les Reed.

It was lots of fun and, at the end of the show, before adjourning to the pub, Zowie Bowie called on the audience to join in singing “a song by a Brit — a Welshman — that everyone knows.” Of course, that was Delilah.

Also at the event was someone I met when I bought a photo he took that he sold on eBay.

His name is Ian Wright the photo is a 1965 shot of Tom. It is part of a terrific book called On The Brink Of Fame.

The book is filled with Ian’s recollections of meeting all the rock and roll stars touring the UK. He began by riding his bicycle to the theaters and just walking backstage with his camera. The book chronicles these adventures and, of course, has loads of photos.

In a chapter called Tom and Gerry, he of course writes about Tom Jones and Gerry Dorsey — er, Engelbert Humperdinck. He tells of the precise circumstances in which the photos were shot and, of Tom he says in part, “Week after week, Tom Jones paid his dues. As a result of all this work, the act was polished and they eventually got booked into the most prestigious nightclub outside London, Newcastle’s La Dolce Vita Club. Gordon Mills and Les Reed wrote It’s Not Unusual for Sandi Shaw, who always performed in her bare feet. Adam Faith (with a number one hit “What Do You Want?”) was Sandi Shaw’s manager and didn’t think the Mills/Reed song was right for her. Gordon then gave the song to Tom and made arrangements to record it November 1964. Three month’s later, PJ Proby was sacked from The Cilla Black Show, Tom Jones and The Squires replaced him and there I was photographing Tom on opening night!”

Check out Ian’s website and the photo of Tom he’s got for sale on eBay. Great photos, as you can see from the shot of a very, very young Mick Jagger. Any fan of Tom’s, Enge’s, The Stones, The Beatles…..any fan of British music in the 60s will really enjoy Ian’s work.

Note: Tom’s Las Vegas shows, January 21-27, all begin at 7:30 pm.

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Between February 21 and March 14, Tom is playing 14 dates in Australia and New Zealand. Venues range from wineries to major arenas. Details are on the TJI page, Where’s Tom & When’s He There? For some reason, all of these dates are listed on TJ.com, but not the MGM gig. There are no ticket links for AU or NZ on TJ.com, but they are on this site. Tickets for some venues are already on sale.

Below are the first three of what’s sure to be many preview articles:

Keeping up with legendary entertainer Tom Jones

Sunday Mail/By Sally Browne/November 29, 2009 12:00am

WHEN Elvis is telling you one thing and Frank Sinatra is telling you another, it’s hard to know who to listen to.

But that’s what it was like for a young Tom Jones when he first made it in the US.

In 1965, when British fever was in full swing, the Welsh singer had his first big hit with It’s Not Unusual – it was No.1 in the UK and top 10 in the US.

Not long after, the former construction worker from Pontypridd got to meet his idols, whom he had watched on TV as a teenager.

He became good friends with Elvis, who took a keen interest in his work.

“I did an album of standards once,” recalls Jones, “and (Elvis) said, ‘We don’t do that, Tom. We leave songs like that to Sinatra.’

“And I said, ‘Well, OK, then.’ And when I was talking to Frank Sinatra, he said, ‘You could be a great jazz singer. You should do more big band stuff.’

“So Elvis was wanting me to be more rock ‘n’ roll and Frank was advising me to sing more swing stuff, but I said, ‘I like it all’. ”

His friendship continued until Presley’s later years. Jones still has a recurring dream where he goes back in time to warn Elvis about his future.

“It was shocking,” he says about Elvis’s death. “I didn’t realise he was that sick. I could see that he was getting heavy, and then he pushed away a lot of people so I couldn’t get to talk to him for the last few years of his life because he wouldn’t answer any of my calls any more.”

For the rest of this article and two similar ones, click here to (more…)

This photo was taken Saturday night, August 29, 2009 after the show at the Reno Ballroom. It is the last group photo of what Sir Tom has often referred to “the greatest band in the land” (and, of course, the word “band” includes the singers). They are (from left): Kenny Anderson, Bill Churchville, Ric Fierabracci, Darelle Holden, Tony Reynolds, Brian Monroney, Sharon Hendrix, Kevin Richardson, Frank Strauss, Mike Turnbull and, seated center as he always is on stage, Herman L. Matthews.

But, now TJI can say two things with certainty: First, as we all know, Tom is definitely coming back to Las Vegas in January.

Second: What’s been confirmed recently is that Tom’s European band will be accompanying him to the US, Australia….to wherever he’s going for the next few months. Rumors to that effect have been floating around since the summer, but it was confirmed this week.

I do not ever presume to speak for all the fans but this time will make an exception: I am sure I speak for all of those fans who know these people when I wish them each the best of luck and tell them to, please, let TJI know what they’re up to so it can be posted and the many TJ fans who are your fans can come to see you.

In all fairness, Sir Tom has told people that the European musicians are terrific and we expect nothing less than the best on stage from the Tom Jones organization. But those of us who have come to know the US group will miss them, even as we look forward to getting to know the European group.

The new band is: Gary Wallis (MD, drums); Alexander Meadows (bass guitar); Peter Honore (guitar); Toby Chapman (keyboard 1, guitar and vocals); Chris Papendieck (keyboard 2, guitar and vocals); Abbie Osman (backing vocals); Janet Ramus (backing vocals); James Hunt (saxophone and brass section leader); Henry Collins (trumpet) and Trevor Mires (trombone).

(TJI’s band section will be updated ASAP.)

Note: Orders for the 2010 Tom Jones International Fan Calendar close at noon pacific time today. If you’ve been meaning to order, please do so now. If there’s an issue with the price, email me using the contact link at right. We can work it out.

Any fan knows Sir Tom loves boxing….lots of photos of him sparring, lots of anthems sung at fights and the moment below shown around the world. As I read the caption, even today I could still hear Howard Cosell introducing Ali…..

Mohammed Ali counted out by singer Tom Jones

Mohammed Ali, three times the heavyweight champion of the world and hoping for a fourth reign, finds himself flat on his back and counted out as singer Tom Jones continues the spoof with a “Rocky” pose of triumph. Jones and Ali had a mock sparring session at Ali’s Deer Lake camp, July 1980..cc/File Photo UPI

Wishing you all the happiest of Thanksgiving Days! Whether or not you celebrate today, it’s always nice to think about those things for which we give thanks.

In addition to family, friends, health, music and books, I give thanks for the ability I have to know and cherish freedom and to be able to learn all the time — even when the lessons are those (usually about other people) that one might rather not learn.

Today also marks one year that I’ve been officially doing this site alone and I am thankful for your continued support. (You have no idea how thankful!) It was not always easy, but it was always rewarding and fun.

And, since I believe we don’t tell often tell people how we feel about them — in this case that you are appreciated — please know that you are and it is a pleasure to say that.

Thank you.

Item #1: News of a former TJ band member you may know:

Pete Olstad, who, until 2008 played trumpet in Tom’s brass section, wrote TJI inviting all of us to check out his new website.

He endorses P. Muriat trumpets. His musical background is impressive and, if you’ve seen him with Tom, you have an idea of how good he is. Pete has begun a solo jazz trumpet career. Look for him to play near you.

Item #2: In an article in The Sun about the third and final season premiere of Gavin and Stacey on the BBC (it will be run on BBC America, too), Ruth Jones, who was in the Comic Relief video with Tom and Rob Brydon, was quoted:

“The Comic Relief single in Vegas with Tom Jones was something special for me. He’s so alpha male. He sat there at the end of the table and had a big plate of oysters.

“I think everybody else had ordered half a dozen and he’d ordered a dozen, and the way he squeezed lemon juice over them – a whole lemon that’s not even cut in half – squeezing and the juice coming out…

“When we were doing the song in Vegas, I had a bit of a cold and I asked if he had any chewing gum or mints and he said, ‘I got a Strepsil.’* He gave it to me and I thought I should have kept that Strepsil for ever. For generations to come – Tom Jones gave me his Strepsil.”

*Strepsil are a line of lozenges manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser in Nottingham, England and available at Boots Chemists there. Tom has repeatedly demonstrated his loyalty to Brit over-the-counter products and to Boots.

To find out about that fun “mythical musical match”-up, click here (more…)

On February 27, 2010, at 4 p.m., Tom will be in New South Wales, Australia. The event is called A Day On The Green – Tom Jones (Concert & Dining), Bimbadgen Estate, Pokolbin, NSW. You can get tickets here (My son, who lives in South Australia and is promoting concerts got this notice and called me to suggest I attend. He even said he’d go with. Would that were possible!) Tickets seem to start at $115 AU ($105.43 USD) and go to $395 AU ($363.891 USD) for concert and dining. The dates are still not on tj.com but, as with the MGM in January, tickets are being sold. One can only suppose that Tom and his band, crew, singers, etc., would not fly around the world for just one gig (unless it pays very, very well) so it’s probably a decent guess that more dates Down Under will be announced.

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Yesterday TJI posted the latest news story about A Bit of Tom Jones? cleaning up at the box office in Wales. TJI took criticism for an October 14 post about the film and, then, 10 days letter in the Welsh press. But, now, even The Voice’s voice — TJ.com — is chiming in. They say, before they post the article TJI posted yesterday,(below): “Although we haven’t seen A Bit of Tom Jones yet, we send our congratulations to the filmakers [sic] and applaud their creativity, pluck and determination.

“We wish them much success and hope they continue to inspire other independent-minded talent who might have a dream to realize.”

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From the now-defunct United Press International (UPI) syndicate is an interview with Tom about his country music. I liked the music, as I edited a country music magazine at the time and, still today, much prefer George, Merle, Waylon and Hank, Sr. Tom also looked pretty good then, too. Note how badly written this is: Aside from typos, do you think Tom simply said his wife would “rather listen to me than see me?” I doubt it….or, at least, doubt he really meant that. Oh, well.

Tom Jones Goes Country

NASHVILLE, Tenn (UPI) — Thinks haven’t been the same for singer Tom Jones since his popular TV show went off the air in 1971. Som people think he has retired.

“There’s a lot of people who don’t see live shows. They watch TV and listen to the radio,” he said.

Jones fans take note: “I’m 42 no and still gyrating and belting out songs. I feel the same way now as I did when I was 32 or even before that.”

The “disapearing act” is why Jones has been recording albums in his studio near his home of [sic] Bel Air, Calif.

For his last two albums, Jones has put on country airs. The current work is called Tom Jones Country.

“Last year I was trying to find a direction and we finally decided on country,” he said.

That direction is not unusual for Jones, a coal miner’s son.

“When I recorded those two country albums (women fans) didn’t say I like the switch or I don’t like the switch. To them, there was no switch. I’m still singing those love songs, except there a country flavor.

“My single now, A Woman’s Touch, basically has the same sentiment as She’s A Lady. The feel is different but the message is the same. That’s what I always look for in a song. It has to have a message — a relationship between a man and a woman.

“I’m not singing about bombs going off. I don’t want to get into protesting about nuclear war and things. I’m comfortable singing love songs, sexy songs, with some kind of driving force.”

Jones is at his best on the stage, singing hits like What’s New Pussycat or It’s Not Unusual. He conducted the telephone interview just before his first show of the night at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. He does about 200 live shows a year.

His wife, Melinda, usually is not in the crowd.

“She would prefer to listen to the records,” he said. “She’d rather listen to me than see me.”

At 42, Jones has to keep a close eye on his figure. Since women fans are his mainstay, a few extra pounds in the wrong places could be devastating to his career. He just wouldn’t look the same in those same spandex pants. So he lifts weights, boxes and jogs.

“I try to keep myself as fit as possible, try to keep myself presentable for the stage,” he said.

Jons has sold 50 million records in his career, but he says no amount of recod sales will ever eclipse the exposure he received on his television show.

What with one thing and another — and I’m not complaining — I’ve been so busy but the TJI 2010 Fan Calendar is going to the printer and should, if all goes as it should, be mailed to you at the end of the first week in December, tidily arriving for the new year. So, if you’d like a copy of this very special limited edition calendar, be sure to order in the next few days. I’ll post a notice when orders close and, as in the last two year, that notice is final. The number printed is determined by the numbers ordered and there are no extras. If you want to order and have any kind of issue with payment, please email me and we’ll work it out. The photos are great this year!

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It is unusual: low-budget Welsh film outperforms big hitters
Bawdy farce involving Tom Jones’s penis becomes a multiplex sensation

Steven Morris/guardian.co.ukSunday 22 November 2009 23.35 GMT

The Hollywood blockbusters 2012 and A Christmas Carol are playing to respectable audiences Merthyr Tydfil’s Vue multiplex, entertaining fans with their multimillion pound effects.

But in screen eight, the staff are having to drag in extra beanbags in an attempt to accommodate everyone who wants to see a comedy made for just £100,000 and with a marketing budget of a couple of grand.

In these days when megabucks movies dominate, A Bit of Tom Jones?, is providing hope for independent film-makers who may have ideas and talent but no money.

The movie is a bawdy farce with a plot turning an attempt to sell the Welsh superstar singer’s severed manhood (better not to go into too many details for taste as well as spoiler reasons). And it is outselling rivals such as Michael Jackson’s This is It and the sci-fi drama The Fourth Kind at some cinemas in south Wales.

Unlike other low-budget movies that have found homes in small arthouse cinemas, A Bit of Tom Jones? is doing good business at large screens in multiplexes.

It has already spread from Merthyr, in the Welsh valleys, to Cardiff and Vue is now considering releasing it just across the English border, perhaps in Bristol to start, to see if it can gradually take hold across the rest of the UK, just about the reverse of the normal multiplex model in which films are released with huge hype and quickly vanish.

Click here to (more…)

Tour Date Note: AOL has dates incorrectly listed for Tom at Casino Rama in 2010 and at the Beacon in 2011(!). These are wrong. If you follow the ticket link on their music site, canceled concerts come up. So, we just have to wait and see….but don’t believe what you’re reading on AOL.

in 2008, when Tom played at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, Vince wrote a review for TJI.

In it, he spoke of the two women who got onstage with Tom during Resurrection Shuffle (photo of one here) and of Tom’s reaction.

At some point, someone — I apologize because I cannot remember who did so — sent video of the incident. I came across it in my annual “check everywhere on the computer for photos for the calendar” computer cleaning binge.

Anyway, I am fairly sure I never posted the video, so I just did.

You can watch the it in the TJI.com Video Library.

While clearing out my computer’s hard drive, I came across these interviews and it occurred to me that, perhaps, some of you haven’t heard them.

The first 21 segments — almost 40 minutes — are from the BBC and were done in 1999 when Reload was released. They’re odd in that you don’t hear the interviewer, just Tom (not entirely a bad thing:)). It was on their Tom Jones minisite for the longest time but I noticed a few months ago that these were gone. So, if you missed them, you can listen now. If you’ve heard them, maybe you’ll want to revisit them.

Please note: There are pauses of up to 10 seconds between some segments. I didn’t have the time to edit them precisely, so I apologize that you’ll have to suffer through them. But, of course, one only hopes this is the most grievous thing you have to suffer in the next week or so.

The last interview is from the Breakfast Show in Australia and was done at the time Mr. Jones came out in 2002.

You can listen by going to the TJI.com Video Library.

Enjoy!