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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
Our Inside Scoop in Buenos Aires With Tom, 2/15: “Steamed Heat!”
Saturday, February 17th, 2007We welcome Scoop back with open arms. We’ve missed these reports. Interesting to note that Tom does Mama Told Me and If I Only Knew in this show. Wish he’d put the latter in again permanently. We’re looking forward to more Scoop as the immediacy and enthusiasm of a fan just shines through the words and it’s almost — but not quite — as good as being there ourselves
Here is a youtube video of the song Scoop discusses below and te audience response to it.
Hola, compadres,
Tom Jones’ last concert appearance in South America happened some 20 years ago. The collective memory of his Beunos Aires fans is indeed elastic! Last night’s performance was STEAMED HEAT! Let me just say that you wanted to be at this show.
They came 10,000 strong. After a stellar introduction, Mr. Jones wafted into view (from stage left) upon the wings of thunderous applause, foot stomping and chanting that literally transformed the historically significant Luna Park venue into a righteously ebullient spectacle, the likes of which are generally reserved at this venue for rock star royalty, or a really good wrestling match!
His entrance alone prompted a rousing standing ovation. I suspect that even Tom was a bit taken aback by this fervent display. The passion of the Spanish people made my heart want to burst with pride and respect, for Tom, for the people of Buenos Aires, and for the love of that moment.
It’s summertime here in Buenos Aires. I’ve been told that February is perhaps the most humid month of the year to experience. It was sweltering on this night.
Mr. Jones was looking slim, trim and quite fit. His jacket came off just after the third song of the night, Mama Told Me Not To Come. Yes, that tune did make a comeback in the set list, as did If I Only Knew.
Tom sang 26 songs in all. He talked with his audience. He responded verbally to several accolades thrown his way by excited fans. Banners appeared here and there. One of the larger banners read: “Tom I’ve been watching you for 35 years!” That sense of fan dedication seemed to permeate the arena!
Tom performed for the people the only way he knows how- full out. I lost count of the standing ovations during the course of the evening. The most notable of which came after I’ll Never Fall In Love Again. The place went crazy. Everyone who could was standing, clapping and screaming. It was so loud that any retort from Mr. Jones was not possible at that moment. Graciously and acceptingly, Tom backed away from the mic, opened his arms, and accepted the moment. He let us in. Fabulous!
It didn’t stop there. Out of this explosion came the chanting. I don’t know what was being said, but it was rhythmic and heartfelt. It was all around me like a gentle, audible wave. They did not want to stop. It took drummer Herman Matthews to quell this perpetual ovation by gently counting off the next song, Green Green Grass of Home. Guess what happened at the end of it?
The night was absolute magic. It was a rare occasion in which very warm temperatures and oppressive humidity served as unexpected allies.
Hundreds waited behind barriers after the show, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mr. Jones when he left the building. I walked away toward the riverfront to enjoy a nice Merlot and rethink over and over again what I’d just witnessed.
If you want to see Tom really leave it all onstage, you’ve got to see him outside of the U.S. You will be transfixed and reborn. I realize that this is not practical. I just want you who love Tom Jones to know that he’s so much more than a Vegas blast from the past. This man defies musical gravity. He is vital.
There are only a handful of artists — young or old — who have toured as extensively as Mr. Jones. He is deserving of all the accolades I can bestow upon him through my writings. I think it’s time for the music industry to uniformly recognize the lifetime achievements of Sir Tom Jones. Shout out to Hollywood- can you hear me? Enough said.
Some day, when Tom tours no more, it will mark the end of a era, and the beginning of music immortality. Until that day comes, “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” Mr. Jones!
—¡Scoop… adiós!
February 17th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Enjoyed reading your great review, thanks!!!!!!!
February 17th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Scoop, welcome back and thank you!! What a wonderful review. I wish I had been there. The way you described it you can feel the love and admiration for Tom and his voice. Although I dislike humidity your description of it and the heat not only sounded good but it would be wonderful to have some of it right now. Being in Ontario, Canada with the snow and cold and windchill makes it that much more desirable.
I’m glad you’re back and look forward to your next review!
February 17th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Thank you, Scoop. Reading your wonderful review I was there in the moment & yes, my heart did swell with pride. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen “Sir Tom” in person. Sandy
February 18th, 2007 at 1:51 am
Read the review and felt the love. I’m sure the heat made the show even hotter, if that is possible because all Tom’s shows are HOT! Thanks Scoop!
February 19th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Thanks for the great review. Yes, I wish I could have been there! Tom is “Steamed Heat” where ever he’s playing! (I hope he keeps Mama Told Me Not To Come and If I Only Knew in his set list next month.) Wouldn’t this have been a great opportunity for his management to do a DVD of his performance!
February 19th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Scoop, you really know how to take us there. I can just imagaine the night and it makes my heart race.
LoriR. has an excellent idea…the night would have made a most treasured DVD!
February 19th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
WOW! It’s been pretty cold here in Canada so this comes as a welcome and warming respite. Thanks Scoop! Tom Jones ROCKS my world ; ))))
February 20th, 2007 at 12:29 am
Thanks for the review. You could almost feel the heat, fantastic! Tom’s set in Las Vegas is always a bit shorter because, unlike when he is on tour, he doesn’t get a night off to rest his voice and performs 10-14 nights without a break. If I Only Knew, with the two long, full-on and raw-edged notes, must be pretty tough on the vocal chords which might explain its absence from LV.
February 20th, 2007 at 3:19 am
What a fantastic review and so true ! It’s high time Sir Tom was considered as the biggest inernational superstar.
February 20th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Paula: Like every other show in Las Vegas — with the exception of Mamma Mia!— Tom’s show runs about 90 minutes. It’s kind of a law here and, when a set list is changed, something must go. It is as simple as that….yes, If I Only Knew is rough on the voice and the body, but the fact is that what we call the “casino entertainment” rule is in place: A show is 90 minutes so the audience can get out into the casino once again. And this goes for book shows from Broadway (Phantom, The Producers and the soon-to-open Monty Python’s Spamalot) as well. As we said above, there’s only one exception. In gaming land, shows in casinos are there so audiences will be drawn in to gamble.
February 20th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
MY ENGLISH IS BAD, TOM ESTUVO MARAVILLOSO LO VI EN 1974 Y 1980, A PESAR DE QUE CASI NO HUBO PUBLICIDAD, EL LUNA PARK ESTUVO COLMADO, ES IMPRESIONANTE COMO CANTA TODAVIA A PESAR DE SUS 66 AÑOS.ESPERO QUE VUELVA OTRA VEZ A BUENOS AIRES
[Our translation:
My English is bad. Tom was marvelous when he was here in 1974 and 1980. In spite of the fact that there was alost no publicity, Luna Park was overflowing. It’s impressive how he still sings in spite of his 66 years. I hope he returns to Buenos Aires again.}