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Our “Inside Scoop” reporter has seen Tom frequently — in Vegas, in Ponty and, even, Australia and points in between — and will file occasional reports just for you at tomjonesinternational.com
Scoop In New Jersey With Tom: “New Brunswick, you did it right…!” & A Note About Stamford, CT
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2006[NOTE: A fan named Elaine also critiqued Tom's New Brunswick show and his Stamford CT show on Wednesday. See Scoop's comment on that (#3 in the "comment" section below) and note the good idea about a "spotter."]
“The State Theatre is a magnificently renovated 1921 1800-seat vaudeville theater presenting a diversity of world-class events including international orchestras, Broadway musicals, jazz productions, dance ensembles, touring operas, country music, educational programs, children’s events, world music, a film series, and more. The concert hall attracts over 300,000 patrons each year from all 21 counties in New Jersey as well as from Pennsylvania and New York.” (from the State Theatre official website.)
With such a rich, distinguished and diverse history it’s no wonder last night’s concert by Mr. Tom Jones was a smashing success.
A full house showed up at the State Theatre in New Brunswick New Jersey Tuesday night to celebrate the return of Tom Jones. Hats off to this very sophisticated and supremely appreciative audience. This group was clearly head and shoulders above the rest. Of course Mr. Jones fit right in to this august setting, and the party was definitely on!
Individual fans showered Tom with more rose bouquets than panties on this night! How can such a large group be so excited yet easily approachable at the same time? This above-average enthusiastic behavior allowed Mr. Jones to interact much more closely with his fans than usual. It was thrilling for the audience, and made for a more intimate show, despite the size and grandeur of this historic facility. Tom signed photos, took several rose bouquets, signed one rather large bright red bra (D-cup I’m quite sure), and accepted a large wonderfully framed pencil sketch of himself complete with goatee and microphone in hand.
Yes, New Brunswick, you did it right last night!
Mr. Jones delivered a powerful show in the fashion we’ve come to expect from him. His voice was strong, his command of the stage complete. Not only did Tom’s signature songs garner standing ovations, but the strength of his voice on any given song caused sporadic cluster groups to stand at the completion of more than a few tunes. This artistically superior crowd was especially fond of the ballads.
It appeared that Tom’s band was raised up on risers that were higher than we are used to seeing. This definitely added to the pleasing overall visual effect of the show. Tom’s interplay with his band is fun to watch. It comes across as sincere and well-reciprocated. And the band and backup singers! They are hip, polished and right in step with this amazing 65 year-old.
The lighting and sound also added tremendously to the overall success of the show. The final ingredient in this delicious musical martini was of course the audience. After the last tune of the regular set, this amazingly hip crowd knew that cell phones are indeed the modern day encore candles of this technically advanced time we live in. As I looked around, I counted more than two dozen cell lights waving back and forth from extended arms and excited hands. Very cool! I suspect a few of those cell phones were active calls. It’s Not Unusual.
Mr. Jones and company were here at the State Theatre just last year. Apparently that wasn’t enough judging from tonight’s turnout and reaction. I have a feeling that a return trip may already be in the works.
All of my champagne wishes, Tom Jones swishes and caviar dreams came true in Brunswick.
It must be good to be Tom Jones!
Scoop… out!
February 22nd, 2006 at 10:27 pm
Love Scoop’s reports. Once again I felt as if I were in the audience. I guess you’re probably right and that it’s good to be Tom Jones.
February 23rd, 2006 at 6:17 am
Yes I was there also. I have seen many shows and without a doubt, this was one of the best I have ever seen. He had that audience in the palm of his hand and he was loving it. The audience adored him. It was the best time. When we walked back to our car which was parked on a nearby street, his bus pulled up right next to us and we were able to see some of his band. We told them what a great show it was and they were happy that we thought so. Great job New Brunswick. However, last night, Feb. 22nd, we traveled to the Palace Theatre in Stamford, Conn. This audience was just the opposite. Most of this audience just sat there showing no emotion. Those of us who did enjoy his show were frowned upon by security. People could not give him his gifts of flowers or cigars etc. Security would actually tackle you. At one point, during What’s New Pussycat, a little girl, around 9 or 10 wanted to give him a teddy bear. Well, security held on to this little girl as if she were a terrorist. Tom did not see this, but after his little break, he came out and siad “You can dance if you want to - you can do anything you want to” He almost sang this but the audience got the message and people started to stand, sing and dance. He was loving it. He was picking up flowers that people had to throw onto the stage and saying thank you. At the end, he even told one fan to come close to the stage so that he could sign an alboum for her. He kept saying “It’s ok - come on up” Security could not argue with Tom. Oh yes, back to the little girl, she wasn’t allowed to give him her gift, but we had to step over beer bottles in the aisle. Not good Stamford - not good.
February 23rd, 2006 at 10:42 am
Soop gives an affirmative nod to these comments summing up the Stamford show. Elaine’s spot-on thoughts do indeed capture the flavor of the evening. The critical point came early in the show when a lady came down front, center stage, to deliver a bouquet of roses to Tom. She was immediately turned and escorted away by security. No one ever saw her again! Just kidding! She was fine.
Add, too, the fact that the stage was huge. Too huge! Tom’s access to the edge of the stage was greatly restricted, further alienating him from his faithful fans. The entire band was also set further back on the stage. Don’t know if this was due to technical reasons or what. These were bad choices. Didn’t serve the show well at all. That all important invisible musical umbilical connection between artist and fans was never fully nourished. It stunted what should have been a full 200 Pounds Of Joy last night. Stamford, are you listening?
Keep in mind that when Mr. Jones is onstage he has powerful spotlights in his face making it difficult, if not impossible, for him to see his audience. When it looks like Tom may be ignoring a situation that is developing right in front of him, the fact is that he simply may not be able to see it. Spotlights keep those beautiful blue eyes well lit. That’s essential! I’m no expert in such matters, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!
Maybe Tom would do well to have a spotter lurking out of sight behind the band or in the catwalk above the stage who can see what’s happening in front of Mr. Jones and alert him somehow to situations that occur, that he should be aware of (like the overly aggressive security gestapo who need more chill time and less kill time). Perhaps that was a little extreme..
Stamford, we’ll forgive you this time. But fix it!
Mr. Jones still served up a great show that did not disappoint. Yeah baby! Scoop… out