Tom Jones International

This is a real rave review and, while heaping praise, the reviewer managed an appropriate distance. Thus, while saying Tom “breathed life” into the standards, he also called them what they are — “hoary old lounge tunes.” We love what he said about He Stopped Loving Her Today and his observation that during Kiss, “Jones lifted his shirt to show a tanned six-pack any young man would be proud of.” His tour info isn’t exactly correct, but his assessment of the performer and his “career that shows no signs of flagging” is right on target.

Sir Tom left ‘em panting

Andy Cooper/The Leader-Post/Published: Monday, June 09, 2008/Tom Jones Conexus Arts Centre

Tom Jones thankfully ignored Frank Sinatra’s advice 40 years ago to ease off on his booming, emotive style of singing, lest he wear out his distinctive pipes early.

Jones politely told Ol’ Blue Eyes he simply couldn’t sing any other way and his instinct has served him well over a career that shows no signs of flagging.

Knighted by Queen Elizabeth since the last time he played Regina three years ago, Sir Tom certainly ruled the stage last night. He sounded amazing and he looks great. Indeed, it’s hard to believe Jones turned 68 on Saturday.

Firing up the crowd with the opening Raise Your Hand, Jones powered his way through an 85-minute set that ranged from rock and pop to gospel, country and blues and included many of his big hits.

Supported by an eight-piece band and three singers, Jones was in vintage form for a set that included biggies like Help Yourself, Delilah, What’s New, Pussycat, She’s A Lady and It’s Not Unusual.

A notable song early in the show was his powerful interpretation of the George Jones classic He Stopped Loving Her Today, which nicely fused country and gospel to great effect. Jones also showed off his blue-eyed soul credentials in passionate performances of Howlin’ Wolf’s 200 Pounds of Joy. and Van Morrison’s Cry for Home.

He even breathed some life into hoary old lounge tunes like Here’s That Rainy Day, Fly Me To The Moon and Old Black Magic, the kind of songs Jones told the audience he learned for his fondly remembered weekly TV show from the early 1970s.

There were also two stunning ballads — I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” and Green Green Grass Of Home — which were simply perfect.

While the knickers took a while to fly on to the stage, Jones introduced his usual bump and grind routine early to squeals of delight and much amusement. “Oh, that Tom is a naughty boy,” he said with a twinkle in his eye after a saucy rendition of Git Me Some. No prizes for guessing what was on his mind.

Naughty indeed as the tempo and mood became hotter for You Can Keep Your Hat On and Sex Bomb, the Jones pelvis thrusting playfully.

By the time Jones reached the encores, there were panties on hand with which to wipe his perspiring brow (and chest) and the crowd was on its feet to join in the fun of Resurrection Shuffle, I Like The Way You Move and, of course, Kiss, during which Jones lifted his shirt to show a tanned six-pack any young man would be proud of.

Currently wrapping up a 21-city North American tour that hits Saskatoon tonight and concludes in Winnipeg on Tuesday, Jones heads out on the road again at the end of the month for another 11 U.S. dates culminating in two nights at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City.

Leaving the stage to rapturous applause from a near-full theatre last night, Jones promised to be back “soon” and I can see him enduring for years to come on this showing. The man exudes amazing energy.