Tom Jones International

We first “met” Dale and Annamarie a day or so after we launched our site, when they wrote us that they were coming to Vegas to be married and, that night, would see Tom from the front row in the Hollywood Theater. Since then, they’ve been site regulars and now have kindly reviewed Tom’s Nottingham show. It’s always nice to read a review from a fan who has a point of comparison (arena vs. smaller venue in this case). And, of course, it’s always great to read how fine Tom’s band and backup singers were….and to have affirmed once again what so many of us know — that Herman is just terrific. On a personal note, we’re also pleased that someone else has noticed and enjoyed the brass section’s choreography. Thanks to Annamarie and Dale. We all appreciate it.

---

This is just a review from two English fans with no ‘journalistic’ or ‘critical’ skills whatsoever. We simply enjoy Tom Jones and hopefully our comments focus on the show as oppose to the usual rubbish that the media critics focus on (which is after all getting a little repetitive now).

Overall it was a fantastic night and appealed to all age groups. We took both sets of parents, who also thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was not just the females that enjoyed the show! Most of the men in the audience were also up dancing, and from their expressions they were also mesmorised by “The Man.”

As ever, the intro video and music sent the crowd into a frenzy and although we have experienced it many times, it still generated the same level of excitement within us. It’s a great way to start the show. By the time Tom walked on stage (from the traditional right hand side), the crowd were wild!

Our views of the show fell into three specific sections. First of all there were Tom’s classics. Delilah; Green Green Grass of Home etc, which were the obvious crowd pleasers and which still send shivers up your spine. They were amazing!

Then there were the ones that Tom referred to as ‘the old standards’, Here’s That Rainy Day; Fly Me to the Moon; That Old Black Magic. For us this was a bit of a low point. Tom’s voice and performance were great but the tempo and style of the songs slowed the show down (perhaps that was the intention).

And finally there were the up beat, modern, dance version songs. Stoned in Love sounded better live than on the original recording with Chicane! The dance mix version of Resurrection Shuffle was amazing, but for us the best song of the night was I Like the Way (previously recorded by the Bodyrockers). When Tom was singing these songs, we both commented that if any of these songs were being played in the most ‘hip’ nightclubs, they would go down a storm. Tom’s ability to swap and change his singing styles to cater for all generations was clearly obvious last night.

As for Tom himself, he was on top form and in good spirits. He interacted with the crowd and his voice was as powerful as ever. From our front row seats it was clear that his piercing blue eyes and brilliant white teeth had everyone mesmerised. Somehow, Tom’s presence on stage draws you, and by just standing there he commands a kind of respect and adoration. He is a unique man!

But let’s not forget the backing band and singers, who often don’t get a mention. They are truly professional and make the show as exhilarating as it is. They also interacted with the audience and we exchanged smiles with all of them. It’s quite amusing to see the lads in the ‘brass section’ doing their little dance routines.

Having been fortunate enough to see Tom in the UK and in his Vegas shows, we feel that the Vegas shows are in fact better. Primarily this is because his shows at the MGM Grand are more intimate with an audience of around 700 people. The UK shows tend to be more arena-based with large audiences, and this tends to be less personal.

It was after one of his Vegas shows that we actually met Tom last October, on the day of our wedding. At the end of last night’s show we did get the chance to meet up with Tom’s drummer, Herman Matthews. It would be nice to say he was a friend, but in actual fact we just exchange the occasional email. However, it has to be said “what a friendly man he is.” We had a good chat and Annamarie had a photo with him.

Tom finished the night by saying “we will see you all again real soon” (his normal parting shot). Fortunately, we only have to wait seven weeks as we have front row seats on two consecutive nights for his Hollywood Theatre shows, in Vegas during December. Can’t wait!

In summary, a fantastic Friday night in Nottingham. Created not only by Sir Tom Jones but also his backing band; backing singers and crew.