Tom Jones International

What used be a movie theater is now a superb venue for live music called the Nokia Theatre. With their latest digital cell phones encased in a massive glass display as you enter the theater, there’s no mistaking that Nokia hasn’t forgotten to remind you that they mean (to get your) business.

This venue is both beautiful and somewhat odd (having been a movie house). I suppose it’s difficult to raise the roof in a room that sits below street level, supporting the massive and very expensive office and retail space above it. The Nokia’s location is about as prime as prime gets! Walk out of its doors and you are on Broadway! A few more steps and you are smack dab in the middle of Times Square. Why, I think I’m having a sort of Mary Tyler Moore moment!

Last year Tom Jones sold out four nights at Irving Plaza, a fifteen minute subway ride from Times Square. Irving Plaza, though still a wildly successful live music venue, can’t hold a candle to the amazing acoustical quietness of the Nokia. There wasn’t a rude echo to be heard during Tom’s show Tuesday night. That took a little getting use to, and what a pleasure it was!

Mr. Jones was once again in excellent singing form. His voice was large, commanding, and easy to hear in the Nokia. He received a very warm reception from the NYC crowd at the start of the show. After the first song, the NY audience and Mr. Jones were like old friends who had come together once again, and all was well.

There was one male fan who had a front row seat. He was truly a Tom Jones fan. From the first song of the night, to the last, this fan was exuberant in his enjoyment of the music. He rarely sat down. Tom didn’t seem to mind though as it was obvious that the gentleman was a true fan who was moved, literally, to stay with Mr. Jones step for step, song after song. For the record, the man did sit during a ballad or two.

Mr. Jones went through his show, as he usually does, giving himself to each song. His ballads were especially powerful this night because of the intimate sound created by the extraordinary acoustics, and a crack sound man who expertly dialed Tom in perfectly within just a few songs.

The setlist has been consistent during this run which started February 9th at the State Theater in Easton, PA. The three new songs Tom has added to his set list are sung solo, no back up vocals.

It is:

Tom Jones International; Momma Told Me Not To Come; Who Will The Next Fool Be; Delilah; Help Yourself; We’ve Got Tonight; She’s A Lady; If I Only Knew; St. James Infirmary (new); Love Letters (new); Glory Of Love (new); 200 Pounds of Joy; End of The Road; What Am I Living For; I’ll Never Fall In Love Again; Green Green Grass of Home; What’s New Pussycat; You Can Leave Your Hat On; Sex Bomb; It’s Not Unusual; (encore) High Heeled Sneakers; Kiss.

The Nokia was sold out tonight. Tomorrow night is no exception. This is a great venue in one of the most amazing destinations in the world. What a treat it was to bear witness, yet again, to the power of “The Voice”. Let me not forget to mention Tom’s band and back-up singers. They are fabulous and flawless! The entire show continues to be a smorgasbord for the senses.

Scoop… out!