Tom Jones International

There was a bit of a fuss stirred up with a posting April 30 on the official site saying emphatically that the June 5 gig in Norwich is not a birthday celebration. In truth, only one (1!) press release — from a website selling tickets — said that. Any other story about the appearance just mentioned that it was two days before Tom’s birthday — if they mentioned the birthday at all. There have been rumors of a TV show or special concert to mark the occasion and maybe there will be. Or, maybe, Sir Tom will spend the day at home with his family. Whatever. It’s his day and he deserves to do as he wishes.

Again, I am sorry…..busy, busy. But Dre sent this to me and, since it sounds so good, and it’s one of my TJ favorites and is a favorite of many other fans.

The song is Walking In Memphis, written by Marc Cohn in 1991. Tom started performing it soon after as, certainly, it has special meaning for him as it references both Elvis and Rev. Al Green. Cohn, by the way, is married to ABC journalist Elizabeth Vargas. He profiled Tom in 2004 when he was at the Apollo in Harlem.

Tom’s recorded version of the song is on the bonus CD that comes with the Australian version of The Lead And How To Swing It. It frequently turns up on eBay.

As I said above, this is awful video, but the sound is good (especially when compared to the video). You can see it here.

As usual, if you cannot play it, drop me a line using the “Contact TJI” link at the bottom right and I’ll email it to you.

If you have a request for something to be posted, please let me know.

Sorry, guys, I’ve been working all day — but I’m not asking you to feel bad for me, as the work included sampling desserts at the Four Seasons Hotel — but I started very early and it’s 11:15 pm. So, for today there’s one short video.

Here is Tom Jones singing Let It Be. It’s nice and mellow and, even if it is from the dreaded Coast To Coast Canadian series, he looks and sounds great. And, talk about bling (if anyone even does that any more)!…

So, please forgive the short post. You’ll find the video here.

As usual, if you cannot play it, drop me a line using the “Contact TJI” link at the bottom right and I’ll email it to you.

If not the stupidest, then the post here is certainly one of the stupidest TJI has ever posted. There is a basic error or two but, worst of all, this article was not signed and the person (1) calls Tom a “crooner” and (2) the person actually says, “I’m no [sic] exactly what you’d call a fan.” Note the typo. You’ll also note incorrect song titles and a general nastiness.

Tom Jones at Carrow Road

April 26, 2010/Norwich City Football United

Tickets for Tom at the MGM in August are available here. This is via the ticketmaster site. They are not at the moment available via VIP services.

Clearly, this LiveNation poster says Tom will be in Norwich June 5.Their word should be pretty good.

Tour Date Notes:OK, the graphic at left makes the Norwich date crystal clear. Subject closed. Tom’s facebook page says, “To all my US fans and anyone who was wondering about any upcoming Vegas dates, I will be performing at the MGM Grand Las Vegas from Thursday 5th July to Wednesday 18th July.”

This is wrong. The dates are wrong. He’ll be in Las Vegas Thursday, August 5 through Wednesday, August 18. The MGM begins new shows on Thursdays and runs end on Wednesday. That’s the way it will be for Tom, too. Let’s hope whomever posts this stuff does some checking for accuracy for now on.

As you read the article below, bear in mind that it was reprinted today from 1999 and was done to publicize the release of Reload.So, when it says Tom will be touring Great Britain, it meant in December 2000. And remember when email wasn’t the norm so correspondence received by a newspaper, magazine or TV station that came via email was always so noted. Today that should be done for correspondence that arrives via snail mail. And, yeah, he is in many ways wonderful.

You ask the questions: Tom Jones

Wednesday, 8 December 1999.http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/you-ask-the-questions-tom-jones-743179.html”>The Independent

Tom Jones – who was born Thomas Jones Woodward – is from Pontypridd in South Wales. After being spotted with his band Tommy Scott and the Senators in the early 1960s, he was given a record deal. His single It’s Not Unusual (1965) was deemed “too hot” by the BBC but became an international hit. He soon became a star, hosting his own TV show, This Is Tom Jones, between 1969 and 1971, and playing the clubs of Las Vegas.

Click here to (more…)

Oops! The originally-posted Tom Jones at MGM Grand dates were incorrect. He will be there (as we had heard months ago) in August. The dates are Thursday, August 5 through Wednesday, August 18! Not on MGM’s site yet. Soon.

This was a weekend during which I was reminded how great entertainment in Las Vegas can be — specifically musical entertainment. Sorry if it’s too personal but, once in a while, I think I’m allowed.

Friday was Doo-Wopp Hall of Fame America® (Don’t ask! That’s how they spell doo-wop.) at the Venetian that showcased talent who had huge hits, a group of singers who had all performed back in the day with other groups. There was also a guy named Ron McPhatter, son of two of the era’s greatest singers, Ruth Brown and Clyde McPhatter. (He was the original lead singer of The Drifters and his solo hits included the original Without Love). Ron sings like his father and definitely has is mom’s personality. Great show.

Saturday night was the second anniversary performance of Jersey Boys, the hugely successful Broadway musical version of the lives of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Valli and original group member/songwriter Bob Gaudio were there. It was the most spectacular night of “real” theater I’ve seen almost since I got to Las Vegas. It was better than the last time I saw the show. (Perhaps that because, even though the original cast was terrific, Frankie Valli was played by the extraordinarily talented Rick Faugno.) And, of course, that music we all know was just great. We were sitting right behind Valli and Gaudio and they clearly loved it.

After Jersey Boys, I drove to the Rampart, a beautiful hotel-casino —conveniently located near my home — to catch the end of This Is Tom Jones: A Tribute, This was TJI’s friend Steve McCoy’s at left in photo above show. He played to a packed house and, even though I’ve seen Steve’s show several times before, I was particularly interested in seeing his guitar player for the evening.He’s at right in the photo.

Of course, you recognize Brian Monroney, Tom’s immediately past music director. Brian told me that , “I have to confess that doing this gig feels a bit odd — I really like Steve and respect his integrity, otherwise I don’t think I’d want to be doing TJ tribute at this time.” I am very happy to report that the show was a smash and Brian had a grand time. It was really good to see him.

And Sunday was the show by a singer billed as “The New Voice of Las Vegas.” His name is Perry Danos. He brings with him 12 musicians and three back-up singers and he is very much the kind of singer people came to expect in Las Vegas. Only he’s just different enough to be fresh, modern. He pays tribute to Frank, Sammy, Dean and Bobby Darin. He also does a very good Elvis. Songs in the set included things by Jackie Wilson, Rev. Al Green and, even, Tina Turner. Along the way he performs some excellent songs of his own. Good looking, charismatic….and a really good voice. He’s one to watch. Oh, and he also did a version of Help Yourself that was very different from the one we’re used to hearing.Look for him near you and, when he comes back to Las Vegas, I’ll be seeing him again.

Quite a weekend.

Notes On That June 5 gig in Norwich and one other small thing:: Surely it will happen. The official site is usually not updated on the weekend and that news came out on Saturday. Once it’s on Tom’s site and is official, it is a logical conclusion that other announcements — including more gigs, a birthday event, CD release date and/or, perhaps, a TV show — will be announced soon.

Today, TJI got a note from Will Hoy, Head of Sales and Marketing, Norwich City Football Club. He wrote: “Hi. I’m the sales and marketing manager at Norwich City Football Club. We’re absolutely delighted and honoured to be able to confirm that Tom Jones will be performing in Norwich at the football stadium Carrow Road on June 5. The city of Norwich and county of Norfolk is really looking forward to welcoming an all-time great. Enjoy!”

He said that, for the concert, the stadium will seat 20,000 people.

Now, as that fan wrote, the notice about the May MGM gig can be taken down. But, guys, if it isn’t, I am not the to write to about it.

Of course, this isn’t official until you see it on the official site. The Carrow Road Stadium, home to the Norwich City Football Club will feature a Tom Jones concert on June 5. The Stadium has a seating capacity of 26,018. Of course, that’s for a game. A concert set-up could be different. Norwich is northeast of London (115-122 miles/185-196 K) depending upon the route you choose. There is a hotel on the stadium grounds.

In a local news story, journalist Mark NIcholls writes:
Tom Jones to perform at Carrow Road

Singing superstar Tom Jones is to perform at Norwich City’s Carrow Road stadium.

The Welsh legend will appear on June 5 and his appearance follows that of Elton John in 2005 and George Michael in 2007.

Norwich City joint-majority shareholder Delia Smith expressed the delight of everyone at the club that the world-famous singer is coming to Norfolk.

She said: “It’s fantastic news that someone of Sir Tom Jones’ calibre is coming to perform at our stadium. He’s one of pop’s consummate all-round performers and always gives a great live show.

“As my mum and my husband are both Welsh they are especially delighted and we can’t wait to welcome him to the green, green grass of Carrow Road”

With a five-decade career and a string of worldwide smash hits, Tom is now thoroughly enjoying bringing a show that presents repertoire from the 60s to the present day to audiences in a variety of venues across the world.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday , priced from £40 and can be booked through www.seetickets.com or by calling 0844 826 1902 (tickets subject to a booking fee).

Some brass for a Sunday morning: The Pärnu Music School Brass Band ( Pärnu Muusikakooli puhkpilliorkester) in Estonia performs the music of Tom Jones. It’s posted in two parts.here and here.

A brief note about a songwriter (you’ll soon understand why it’s on this site) and another photo from Abu Dhabi with more tomorrow. Clearly, Sir Tom Jones was major news in that part of the world. The Power of Tom!

Earl Thomas is a terrific blues musician and composer. You may be familiar with one of the songs he’s written, as it was part of Tom’s show for a long time. Here’s (part of) the story by Dave Good from the San Diego Reader.

{Earl Thomas] has written songs that have been recorded by soul man Solomon Burke, blues powerhouse Etta James, and contemporary blues singer Janiva Magness, and he wrote Git Me Some, performed by Las Vegas mainstay Tom Jones. Jones’s management gave Thomas tickets, a backstage pass, and a spotlight.

“I’m sitting there in my seat watching the show,” emails Thomas, “and Tom Jones says, ‘I’d like to do some blues for you now. It is a song by a man called Earl Thomas, and he is sitting right there.’”

To hear a bit of Earl Thomas’ original version of the song, click here.

And, please, he doesn’t sing like Tom Jones. His approach to the song is completely different than that of Tom Jones. But comparisons are unnecessary. Earl Thomas is good at what he does and every fan who enjoyed the song has to be grateful to him for writing it and to the member of the band who suggested Tom sing it.

Here are two more reviews published almost a week ago…sorry for the delay. It should be noted that one reason for the terrific reception — aside from the fact that the people in the region are fans — is that Tom was the first act in the new arena. It seats 6,00 people. There were 4,000 at the show.

Tom Jones charms Abu Dhabi audience

By Nathalie Farah, Staff Reporter/Published: 09:23 April 17, 2010/Gulf News/Photos by Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Legendary performer Sir Tom Jones proved that he still had it when he performed to a sold out crowd at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) on Friday, April 16, 2010.

“This is the first concert here [Adnec], isn’t it? It’s exciting to be here and it’s amazing that we’re the first ones to be performing here,” Jones said, grinning.

Dressed in black jeans, navy blue shirt and accessorized with a large gold cross and his trademark tan, the Welsh singer inaugurated Adnec’s Abu Dhabi Hall in true Tom Jones style, accompanied by his 11 member band and two backup singers.

“This song [Seasons ] may sound like I’m singing about a woman, but I’m not…I’m not singing about a man either,” Tom said, with a cheeky grin. “The song is about my relationship with music over the years and how blessed I am to have this singing voice,” he added, drawing cheers from the audience.

Jones sang a medley of songs that included material from his latest album, 24 Hours, which was released in 2008, in addition to some classic favourites such as What’s New Pussycat?, Keep Your Hat On, Delilah, She’s A Lady and the song that, according to Tom, started it all – It’s Not Unusual.

The infectious rhythms and old favourites ensured that everyone was on their feet throughout the evening – which, for an entirely seated venue, speaks for itself.

“I’ll be 70 years old in June…on June 7, that’s my birthday…but you know what? I feel great!” Jones said. “This is the final performance in our three month tour [the 24 Hour Tour] and all I have to say is, what a way to end the tour!” he added before launching into the final encore of the highly energetic evening, Sex Bomb.

And even though the concert had ended, many audience members have been spotted dancing their way to their cars, proving that the evening was a great success on many levels.

For the other review and another photo, click here to (more…)

It was most gratifying to read the thoughtful comments on the post below….Thanks to those who commented and, if you didn’t, feel free to do so.

Aside from a few snarky remarks about some of the older people in the audience (and, really, when does one get too old for a mini?) this is quite a nice tribute, even if the photo on the right (from another source) is a tad strange. Enjoy reading.

Age cannot wither him: Tom Jones at 70

Matrons and maidens alike melt to the magic of the master

Philippa Kennedy/The National/Last Updated: April 21. 2010 7:45PM UAE / April 21. 2010 3:45PM GMT

Tom Jones, still going strong at 70, performs in the capital. The concert was a triumph for the new Abu Dhabi Hall, too. / Lauren Lancaster - The National

The final encore of the highly energetic evening was Jones' hit single Sex Bomb./Photo: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

Tom Jones did not disappoint. The boy from the valleys was in fine fettle as he launched himself into the final set of his world tour in the UAE’s brand new venue, the Abu Dhabi Hall.

An already excited audience, which included a surprisingly large number of young people, settled into the big comfortable seats and did their best to remain there throughout the early numbers, but as soon as they heard the first few bars of Delilah they were on their feet apart from a few, mostly male, stalwarts who remained self-consciously seated.

Even they gave up the unequal struggle in the end in the face of an onslaught of Spandex-clad, estrogen-fuelled female passion. They just love the Jones Boy, see.

Maybe some of the skirts were a bit too short on fans who won’t see 40 again, the tops a little too low cut for comfort and the freshly highlighted hair a tiny bit too bright, but after all the man himself was up there, belting out the musical backdrop to many of their lives and they were going to enjoy every last minute of what turned out to be a fantastic concert.

The new venue can seat 6,000 people but as soon as Sir Tom announced, “I don’t mind if you want to dance,” they — or should I say we — needed no further encouragement to leap to our feet and launch into long-forgotten finger pointing moves that rolled back the years.

There was a tricky moment when something that looked like a piece of clothing was hurled on to the stage and a posse of security men descended on a couple of women in the front rows.

Two more suspicious looking bundles got the evil eye from the bouncers but turned out to be large Welsh flags which Jones acknowledged with a grin and a wave.

At 70, he’s stopped dyeing his hair, his stage clothes are subdued blues and greys, and the old pelvic thrusts made only a brief and jokey appearance, but the voice was as strong as ever and he even hit the top notes of Thunderball, no mean feat at his age.

He cleverly mixed the old favourites like Green Green Grass of Home with new songs such as Sugar Daddy, written for him by Bono after they bumped into each other in a Dublin nightclub, and the Prince hit Kiss, which appeals to younger fans. Clearly pleased by the rapturous reception, he sang right through to the end without only the briefest break to change his sweat-soaked shirt.

He’s not called The Voice for nothing, but more than that, he’s a brilliant live performer and knows how to work an audience. The organisers could not have wished for a better opening concert for the Abu Dhabi Hall.

It was worth every mile of the long drive back to Dubai for me at any rate. With the summer heat fast approaching, this spacious, air-conditioned venue is going to be a treat.

Tom and Cerys Matthews at Glastonbury

Been quite busy working on a terrific new magazine. So, today I am short of time. Thus, I decided to ask a question that some of us have been discussing:

I began thinking about this question when I wrote a post about Celebrity Worship Syndrome a few weeks ago. Then, these fans who tell lies and spread vicious gossip — most of it untrue — kept me thinking. Do you believe, as noted in the Celebrity Worship Syndrome description in the post above, that it is a sickness? A genuine meanness? Or is it jealousy of other fans?

The question: What is it that causes some people who call themselves “fans” to behave so badly? They spread lies, imply a closeness that doesn’t exist and are jealous of anyone who may have actually spent time with Tom.

Now, his fans are not the only ones but, since this is a TJ site, thought it was worth asking. Someday, I may write a book about this….unbelievable but true.

To lighten the mood, you can watch Tom and Cerys Matthews sing What’s New Pussycat from An Audience With Tom Jones. Nice silly fun and you can see it here.

As usual, if you cannot play it, drop me a line using the “Contact TJI” link at the bottom right and I’ll email it to you.