Tom Jones International

Check out the USA Network’s preview of the AFI tribute to Sean Connery. Tom isn’t on the brief teaser, but is on the full-length show to be broadcast tonight, June 21, 9 p.m. on USA and again at midnight June 22.

Part of what’s in store on the broadcast was described in the June 9 Hollywood Reporter: “…the Edinburgh-born Connery, accompanied by his wife, Micheline, was treated to high-kicking Highland babes in short kilts, deafening bagpipes and a virile rendition of the theme from Thunderball by Welsh crooner* Tom Jones.”

*Please, please stop calling him a “crooner.” He is anything but.

Tunica Mississippi is a seemingly most unlikely place to observe a Tom Jones feeding frenzy. That’s exactly what happened last Saturday night. If Mr. Jones needed an additional reason to stay out on the road, Tunica is a small but mighty contender.

The venue, a rounded tent attached to the Horseshoe Casino, more resembled a tank of hungry pirana by show’s end. Tom was a bit overwhelmed by the surprising onslaught as well. When the first What’s New Pussycat left Tom’s lips it was “Katy bar the door” time!

Mr. Jones departed from his usual, predictable moves in order to satisfy the insatiable swarm. He was singing songs and shaking hands. It was almost comical watching the security detail scramble to create a human barrier across the front of the stage. I’m guessing that security didn’t expect what was happening. No one was. The magical chaotic “swarm!” moment came fast and furious, but when security realized that momentum had defeated them several hip gyrations before, they smiled across at each other and enjoyed being pinned to the front of the stage by the Mississippi Misses (except for one stout female security guard. It was difficult to tell whether or not the pressure on her was the kind she might otherwise enjoy under different circumstances. Take it easy — just an observation).

With the greatest of ease our musical bartender, Mr. Jones, whipped up a little something that included equal amounts of southern belle, mixed with Southern Comfort, shaken well, with cherries a poppin’ on top. A good bartender will often taste his own drink just to be sure it’s on the money. I think the results were quite clear. Tunica will have another “Mr. Jones,” please! A return to Tunica is necessary, because last night the south did rise again! Now, about the humidity…

One more thing. Remind me to tell you a little about Tower of Power. In my zeal to cover The Voice, I’ve not mentioned the wonderful musical tag team that starts with the legendary horn band and ends with a Kiss! It’s an unusual combination that seems to work well.

Scoop… out!

The Welsh newspaper The Western Mail is asking readers to vote for “The Seven Wonders of Wales.” (We posted these photos because if you read the article online you cannot see them. Thanks, mharding.)

There’s a “short list” of 30 from which to choose and there’s only one human being on it — Sir Tom Jones. (Who did you expect?)

The paper says: “In alphabetical order, this is the shortlist of 30 from which YOU can choose the seven definitive wonders of Wales: Blaenau Ffestiniog slate landscape, Britain’s smallest house, Conwy, Caerphilly Castle, The coracle Dinorwig power station, Eisteddfodau, The Great Glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, The Llangernyw Yew, The Mabinogion, Milford Haven waterway, Millennium Stadium, The National Library of Wales Patagonia, The Pembrokeshire islands, Pentre Ifan cromlech, Pistyll Rhaeadr, Pontcysyllte aqueduct, Portmeirion, The Red Lady of Paviland, Rhossili beach, Sarn Helen, The Second Severn Crossing, Snowdon, Tom Jones, Tower Colliery, The triple harp, Wales Millennium Centre, The Welsh Cob, The Welsh Culinary Team and Welsh lamb.”

Now, from our vantage point here in the US, we’re not quite sure what all these things are. But, we did get some help from the newspaper.

The Welsh cob is, obviously, the horse seen here, a tough breed singular to Wales. The Llangernyw yew tree is 4,000 years old.









At 240 feet, Pistyll Rhaeadr (”spring of the waterfall” in Welsh, seen at left) dwarfs Niagara Falls. And the four Pembrokeshire Islands are natural wonders, too.








Of course, Tom Jones is also, in our opinion, a wonder. Here’s what the newpaper says: “‘THE Voice,’ ’sex bomb,’ Sir Tom — call him what you will but he continues to bestride the international music scene like a thrusting, hairy-chested colossus.

“From his humble beginnings in Pontypridd he first went on to make a name for himself in the 1960s with hits such as Green, Green Grass of Home, What’s New Pussycat, Delilah and It’s Not Unusual.

“Quickly established as a household name over here, to rank alongside Richard Burton and Shirley Bassey, he soon struck it big in the US with sell-out residencies in the Las Vegas world that was home to such luminaries as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.

“For a period during the ’80s he became seen as the original medallion man, the swaggering, powerfully-voiced Valleys boy whose performances would end with mounds of knickers being thrown onstage.

“But even then his credibility and his sheer talent seemed to deflect any of his detractors’ cries of naffness*.

“Four decades after he first started out, Tom Jones has become a national institution.

“And one that manages to ooze the kind of sex appeal most men a third of his age could only dream about.

“With his collaborations with the likes of Stereophonics, Cerys Matthews and a slew of dance acts, and with an appearance on The Simpsons under his belt, he has managed to redefine himself for a new generation.

“If you’ve ever seen Tom the Voice sing live, you’ll understand why exactly he’s a contender for the Seven Wonders of Wales.

“But he also represents Wales’ legendary love of song, which is still reflected in choirs and bands across the country. Sir Tom, we salute you.”

*”naffness:” British slang for unstylishness, outdatedness

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We’re not sure it’s fair for non-Welsh people to vote as last time there was a vote in Wales (for the 100 Welsh Heroes) the citizenship of those who were voting — especially for Tom — did become an issue. But, if you’re not Welsh and your conscience will allow it (or if you are Welsh), you can vote via email.

Voting closes at noon Thursday, June 22. (That’s noon Welsh time.)

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And, for the record (or for newer TJ fans), in the 2003 100 Welsh Heroes poll, Aneurin Bevan, founder of the Welsh national health insurance program, was first with 2,426 votes; Owain Glyndwr, a 15th century leader in the ultimately unsuccessful fight against the British for Welsh independence, was next with 2,309 votes and, third, was Tom Jones, with 2,072 votes. At the time, Tom said he was flattered to be included and he believed Bevan and Owain Glyndwr were rightly at the head of the list. Although, if you look back at the news stories from then, there was a lot of hand-wringing that Tom Jones — a mere singer and sex symbol — was topping the list for much of the voting period.

Well, even the most ardent fan has to take time out for the non-TJ part of life and our friend Inside Scoop did just that. But, Scoop is back and we are thrilled. As you’ll see when reading this, Scoop has an affinity for Texas and Texan. But, mostly, for Tom Jones’ show.

We welcome Scoop back to TJI.Com and we look forward to seeing our man on this tour and, hopefully, hearing more from Scoop and from the rest of y’all when you see the show.

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The Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie Texas is quite the behemoth of a structure both inside and out. It is impressive to say the least. Where it resides is a bit of a mystery. It’s next to a race track (albeit a nice one) in a field somewhere between “I don’t know where that’s at” and “what the hell, y’all?” Just keep driving. You “might/could” find it eventually, or wind up in Waxahachie!

With the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA finals, and Tom Jones in the Nokia, the fans were jubilant as the mighty Tower of Power took to the stage to kick off the night. The massive black Nokia stage threatened to swallow up the nine-piece funkified horn band. It seemed that the sound never quite got dialed in. The Nokia is so sound efficient that it threatened to squash all attempts to pump up the volume. The sound guys had to work hard to overcome the room’s acoustical dominance. Maybe a second night would have realized a victory. The audience was a bit lukewarm to the funky power of TOP.

Realize where you are and then it’s OK. In fact, I could feel the spirit of Conway Twitty in the humid, heavy air on the way to the Nokia. And yes, Nokia phones are for sale in the lobby. More cheese on my nachos please!.

Nonetheless, the audience was cordial and patient as they eagerly awaited the man, The Voice, TOM JONES! They were not disappointed. As back up singer Tony Reynolds opened the show, he mentioned the Dallas Mavericks and Tom Jones in the same breath.

Texan liked that very much. One Texan rose up out of her seat to get a better look at Sir. Texan very happy! Mr. Jones was looking good, sporting a recent “fro and go” trim. That’s a haircut and a goatee touch up, silly!

On his first day at work since his last run at the MGM Grand in Vegas a month ago, Mr. Jones, though strong of voice, was affected by the Texas humidity. By show’s middle his shirt was drenched, as if he had been sprayed with a freakin’ fire hose. As a result he was the hands down winner of the Grand Prairie wet T-shirt contest.

It did allow Texan to better observe the contours of Mr. Jones still buff, manly torso. A soaked shirt did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the myriad of ladies who fended off relatively docile security guards to fling many panties, a few bras and themselves at the very receptive, still sexy, sweating symbol. The bottom line, Mr. Jones puts out, no matter the weather. He’s a workhorse and the Texas audience showed its appreciation with several standing ovations after various signature songs. It was a great evening, and my guess is that all who attended had a sweltering good time.

It was well after the show that the good time abruptly ended for Texan. You see, the Mavericks lost (badly) to the Heat. But not Mr. Jones. He conquered the heat, and the humidity! Everything is bigger in Texas. So, too, was Mr. Jones. By the way, Tom’s latest song, Stoned In Love is definitely a part of the set.

Y’all come back now, ya hear?!!

Scoop… out.

Not just the old bump and grind

By DAVE FERMAN/Special to the Star-Telegram

GRAND PRAIRIE — If you want to think of Tom Jones primarily as the guy in tight pants who sang cheesy songs amid a blizzard of female undergarments, that’s fine.

But I don’t.

True, last night, Jones, 66, trotted out the old bump and grind to a large, mainly female audience at Nokia Theatre. And true, the women still went crazy when he swiveled his hips and sang pap like Delilah. But now that Jones is a little rounder in the middle and thinner on top than in his heyday, it’s easier than ever to appreciate his ability as a singer and his wide musical palette.

Following the blueprint of his career, Jones’ show included a laudable array of styles from the straight-ahead country of Charlie Rich’s Who Will the Next Fool Be? to a funky take on Randy Newman’s Mama Told Me (Not to Come). Clad in a purple suit and with a mustache and goatee, Jones hit the stage just after 9 p.m. with Tom Jones International, a canny slice of modern dance pop.

Backed by a 10-person band that included a four-man horn section, Jones sang everything well, and, unlike many aging singers, performed full versions of old nuggets such as Delilah, She’s a Lady and Help Yourself instead of shoehorning the standbys into medleys.

Jones also offered up recent dance-oriented favorites including If I Only Knew and his current European hit, Stoned in Love.

Tower of Power opened the evening with an excellent 45-minute set that drew almost exclusively from records released in the ’70s that defined the band’s horn-powered, jazz/R&B/soul sound. The band, currently with 10 members, powered through classics such What Is Hip? and You’re Still a Young Man.

GRADE: A-

Photo: Jill Johnson/Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

If you read the review, you’ll see that the post title is a fair assessment. (Either that or he was feeling particularly cranky last night.) Now, we’re not adverse to critics and/or criticism. Some of the nicest, most thoughtful and insightful people on earth write reviews. And we’ve been known to criticize Tom’s shows on occasion. But this guy just wasn’t paying attention. How can anyone who has written recently about music and, as a reviewer who should know music, not know Bob Seger’s We’ve Got Tonight? Mr. Granberry apparently doesn’t. He called the song Why Don’t You Stay. Yikes. And if Tom Jones is anything, it’s not “artistically stagnant.” He did Stoned In Love. He did some blues. Rock ‘n’ roll and his own hits. That does not demonstrate “stagnant.” And that same beaded shirt Tom’s been wearing for two years or so does not, for the record, demonstrate, “frilly.” Also, Tom didn’t respond to the undergarment storm, he ignored it. Since one of us happens to be a professional reviewer/critic, we want to emphasize again that a negative review is the prerogative of the reviewer, as criticism is subjective. But the least any critic owes a reader is an honest review based clearly on what is presented onstage. For your convenience, as it is in the newspaper, we’ve included the reviewer’s email at the end of the article. Feel absolutely free to write him or refer him to our critique of his review.

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THIS JUST IN: SusannePDX wrote the following to Mr. Granberry:

“Mr. Granberry:

Your Tom Jones review was “stagnant.”

If all you can concentrate on are the tossed panties and not the incredible voice then you shouldn’t be a music or entertainment critic. Mr. Jones does not encourage the tossing of underwear and does not acknowledge it…and hasn’t for years. Its a cheap shot to base your review on old stereotypes and an internet biography.

If you really listened to the show you would have recognized that Tom Jones does not just sing his hits but encompasses may forms of music and has stayed contemporary and hot.

Susanne, Portland, Oregon”

Mr. Granberry responded as follows:

“Hi, Sue. Thanks for writing. Did you see the show last night … all the way from Oregon? Wow. I’m impressed. I appreciate you writing and I appreciate your passion. Unfortunately, in America these days, passion is in short supply. I agree with you about Mr. Jones’ voice and talent. He’s extraordinary. As the writer assigned to critique his performance, however, I felt entitled to make a comment about what I would call his untapped potential. I’m sorry if it offended you. But thank you again for writing and God bless your passion.

All the best, Michael

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Review: Vocals are great, but Jones artistically stagnant

08:16 AM CDT on Friday, June 16, 2006

By MICHAEL GRANBERRY / The Dallas Morning News

GRAND PRAIRIE – Let’s pretend for a moment. Let’s assume that Thursday night’s Tom Jones concert at Nokia Theatre is being televised by ESPN. Check out the graphic in the lower-right-hand corner of the screen, the one that reads: “Panties Meter.”

By the time Mr. Jones, who just turned 66 — that’s right, 66 — sauntered onstage, panties were already flying from all directions. Pink, orange, red, even blue panties that glowed in the dark. Thongs, bras and various other undergarments would be hurled his direction by the time he finished more than 90 minutes later.

And by the time he did finish, with the stage resembling the floor of a dressing room in the lingerie department, this son of a Welsh coal miner had once again wowed his predominantly female audience. He wore a bright purple suit, a frilly black shirt and a shiny cross that complemented a dark thatch of exposed chest hair. A devilish goatee framed his omnipresent smile, and well before he reached the second song, Three Dog Night’s Mama Told Me (Not to Come), his famous hips were gyrating wildly to the throbbing bass of a very loud band.

By the time he reached the fourth song, Delilah, the panties were coming in faster than fighter jets landing on an aircraft carrier, with Mr. Jones all but tripping over the clutter.

By song No. 6, however, he had opted for a ballad, Why Don’t You Stay, which, more than any all night, showcased Mr. Jones’ remarkable vocal range but also offered hints at what might have been. Mr. Jones began singing at age 3 and by 15 had left school to work nights singing in tough, working-class pubs, even though it meant having to spend his days as a bricklayer’s helper, a glove cutter, a paper miller, a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman and a construction worker.

As a teenager, he responded to a challenge — he once said he would have done anything to avoid following in the harrowing footsteps of his coal-miner father — but long after having “made it,” the challenge, the sense of stretching himself, seems to have stopped.

Not that it meant he hasn’t had quite a blast along the way. Mr. Jones gives the same show night after night, and he and his adoring fans love it. He’s an emotional singer — his old standby, Green, Green Grass of Home, proves that as well as any song he’s ever sung — and he’s one exciting showman, especially to his adoring constituency.

But by the end of a Tom Jones show, one can’t help but wonder if this engaging vocalist could have ended up a very different artist had he continued to respond to the challenge felt by a Welsh schoolboy … rather than simply settle for a flood of panties.

Dallas Morning News Photo by NAN COULTER/Special Contributor

email: mgranberry@dallasnews.com

Tom opened tonight at the Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie, TX (a Dallas suburb) and Debi, Sue and Toni were in the audience. They reported to us by phone.

First up, Deb and Sue who report that Herman is back, looking and sounding good. Sharon was not in Texas, but is fine and is back on tour.

Now, to Mr. Jones — Oh, he was phenomenal. He was so on tonight. We know Tom gets eneregized by the crowd and tonight’s was totally into him. Most of the people were standing up for a good part of the show dancing. He danced around the 15 or 20 pairs of panties tossed onstage and something tossed up hit him on the chest. It was rude, but he was very gracious.

Tom even changed his dialogue — not the same old schtick. But the setlist is the same. He actually encouraged people to “stand up, c’mon dance, do whatever you want to.” And people did. The only thing prohibited was video.

It seemed as if we hadn’t seen him forever, but it was only last October and he just amazed us. We were dumbstruck by how great he was. He danced a lot (even had a few new steps), skipped on and off the stage before, during and after the encore.

Someone behind us summed up the evening when she gushed, “Oh, my God, he’s still got it! He’s still got it!!”

Now, from Toni the Texan, a TJ Virgin:

I was never fan when he and I were younger because I didn’t like his old music. I’m still not crazy about it. But I became a fan when I heard Reload. and saw him in Red, White and Blues.

I thought he was great tonight, in great voice. He was very charming and energetic and he just made me smile through the whole thing. I don’t see how he could be any better.

PS From Deb: Toni was so into the show that, at one point, I turned toward her and saw her unbuttoning her blouse. I prevailed upon her to stop. (She did.) Now that’s a fan!

These photos are posted as a teaser (because we’re sure you don’t need a reminder) for the AFI’s Lifetime Achievement Award event honoring Sean Connery that was taped June 8 in LA. It will be shown on the USA Network next Wednesday, June 21, at 9 p.m. and, again, at midnight.

Meanwhile, here’s a video clip with English and Dutch commentary. (They asked the celebs what team they’re rooting for in the World Cup. As we said, this is a European interview.)

Again, our thanks to Andre; photos from videonieuws.chello.nl in the Netherlands

We didn’t forget, just wanted to give you the opportunity to find the answers. Note that #16 comes with a special sound bite you may not have heard before.

1. On which of Tom’s songs did Reg Dwight sing backup? Daughter of Darkness (And shortly after he took the stage name of Elton John and began his solo career.)
2. What was the name of one of the films it was announced Tom would make? The Gospel Singer And the other? Yokowold
3. If they make a film of Tom’s life story, who did he say should probably play him? Robbie Williams (right, with Tom)
4. What was Tom Woodward’s first stage name? His band’s name? Tommy Scott and the Senators
5. When did Tom always say onstage that “Dean Martin’s house” would become “Tom Jones’ house?” “It won’t be ‘Tom Jones’ house’ until I sell it.”
6. On what street was “Dean Martin’s house?” Copa d’Oro (aerial view, left)
7. When Tom sings, “The old house is still standing” on what street is the old house to which he is referring? Laura Street in Pontypridd, where he grew up.
8. Which of his songs did Tom once tell an interviewer should be his epitaph? I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
9. Why did he choose that song? He said, “Well, that might be quite good on my tombstone because I wouldn’t, would I?”
10. What song contains this lyric: “I could never throw my knickers at you And I don’t come from Wales” The Ballad of Tom Jones (Space feat. Cerys Matthews)
11. What kept Tom in the house for about two years? Tuberculosis
12. Who is Tom’s favorite singer? Jerry Leeeeeeeeee Lewis (c’mon, you knew that, didn’t you?)
13. What is Tom’s favorite movie? The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
14. What song did Tom record to benefit ChildLine? All You Need Is Love
15. What was the name of the 12-episode Canadian series? Coast to Coast
16. What did Tom do at the end of each episode of this Canadian series? He read a poem.
17. Gordon Mills discovered and managed three performers —Tom and Engelbert and….? Gilbert O’Sullivan
18. What was the name of the TV film Tom did with Kirk Douglas? The Special London Bridge Special (1972/photo right)
19. What was the name of Tom’s series that was shown on VH1? The Right Time (And why isn’t it being released on DVD? It really is so extraordinary that, more than anything else Tom has done on TV we believe it merits a DVD release. It simply towers above TITJ.)
20. What did the banner held aloft at Glastonbury say? The banner Tom really liked? “Tom F****n Jones”