UK TV Appearances!

Tom will be appearing on the following television shows in the next week to promote his new single with Chicane... April 21st - Friday Night With Jonathan Ross (BBC1) 22nd - Popworld (Channel 4) 23rd - MTV 24th - The Paul O'Grady Show (Channel 4) 24th - Channel 5 News 24th - BBC London News 24th - London Tonight (ITV1) 30th - Top of the Pops (BBC2)

Arise Sir Tom Jones!

From BBC News... Singer Tom Jones has been knighted at Buckingham Palace for services to music. He was invested as Thomas Woodward, his real name and the one under which he began singing for relatives as a boy in in the 1940s south Wales valleys. The 65-year-old miner's son said accepting the knighthood was a "great and humbling honour".

Speaking after the investiture, he said: "It is fantastic. It was lovely to see the Queen again.

"I love seeing the Queen and I have always been a royalist. She is lovely and she still is lovely.

"She has got a great smile and her whole face lights up when she smiles."

UK Tourdates!

TomJones.com is pleased to announce Tom Jones' new UK tour dates for 2006!October 2006 10 Brighton Centre 11 Bournemouth Int Centre 13 Manchester MEN Arena 14 Birmingham NEC Arena 16 Newcastle Telewest Arena 18 Sheffield Hallam FM Arena 20 Cardiff International Arena 27 Nottingham Arena 28 Wembley Arena 31 Glasgow Clyde Auditorium

All shows 8pm

A members only exclusive presale will be happening on this site in the next couple of days, so keep checking back!

Stoned in Love

CHICANE RETURNS TO THE UK MUSIC SCENE WITH A MUSIC LEGEND. ‘STONED IN LOVE Feat. TOM JONES’ RELEASED 24 APRIL 2006 THROUGH GLOBE RECORDS / UNIVERSAL ‘STONED IN LOVE’ is the new single from one of the UK’s most successful crossover dance acts CHICANE, and is released on the 24 April 2006 through Globe Records / Universal

Having taken his time to write and regroup, CHICANE returns to deliver another killer hit single. One would expect nothing less than the absolute best from Chicane, which is why he has teamed up with ultimate music legend Tom ‘the voice’ Jones

Lending his celebrated chords to the record Tom adds a surprising and powerful hard edge to an already devastating track. Following Chicane’s previous hits, ‘Offshore’, ‘Saltwater’ and the number one smash hit ‘Don’t Give Up’ to name just a few, ‘STONED IN LOVE’ is set to reaffirm that there is none better than Chicane

Forget what you know about dance music and forget what you think you know about Chicane.

For behind the scenes photographs from the video shoot check out the galleries. A 60 second clip of the music video is also available for members in the videos section of the site.

PRE ORDER THE SINGLE VIA THE CHICANE MINI SITE www.7digital.com/chicane

Reviews Needed!

Calling all budding music reviewers! We're looking for fans to contribute to the Rave Page section of the new site where we'll be uploading fan reviews of Tom Jones gigs. If you've been to a show recently and would like to write a review for the site make sure you include your name, location and send your review (no longer than 500 words) to office@tomjones.com Reviews will be added every few days so keep checking back and have your review seen by the thousands of TJ fans that enjoy the site every day!

Summer Tourdates

Summer tour dates have been announced; a few more dates will be announced after the weekend as they are confirmed.June 15 Nokia Theatre, Grand Prairie TX - with Tower of Power June 16 Horseshoe Casino, Bossier City LA - with Tower of Power June 17 Louisville Showroom, Robinsville/Tunica MS - with Tower of Power June 18 Brady Theatre, Tulsa OK - with Tower of Power June 22 Chastain Park, Atlanta GA - with Tower of Power June 24 Ferguson Centre for the Arts, Newport News VA - with Tower of Power June 25 Lyric Opera House, Baltimore MD - with Tower of Power June 27 Bergen Performing Arts Centre, Englewood NJ June 28 Performing Arts Centre at Purchase College, Purchase NY June 30 South Shore Music Circus, Cohassett MA

July 1 Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis MA July 2/3 Mohegan Sun Casino Arena, Uncasville CT July 6 Ravina Music Festival, Chicago IL - With Etta James July 12 Blossom Music Centre, Cuyhoga Falls OH

Albany - Review

Frank Sinatra was The Voice. Elvis Presley was The King. Jackie Wilson was Mr. Excitement. They're all gone now, but it seems as though Tom Jones is ready to take on each of their titles -- even at the age of 65.At the Palace Theatre on Friday night, the powerhouse Welsh singer uncorked a flat-out blockbuster performance. Despite the fact that you won't find Jones anywhere on the pop record charts these days, the man certainly knows how to deliver the goods live. For the record, the first item of women's unmentionables hit the stage at 9:05 p.m. in the middle of the towering ballad, "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," and by my count, the final underwear total was four -- with three more launched during the prowling oom-pah of "What's New, Pussycat?"

But the whole feminine-undergarments-as-flying-missiles-of- adoration thing has always served only to undermine Jones' true talents as both a vocalist and an entertainer.

That's not to say that he isn't still a mighty sexy guy. Gyrating in the spotlight during the high-kicking "Delilah," the hip-swiveling braggadocio of "She's a Lady" and the flashy footwork of the final encore, Prince's uber-sexy "Kiss," Jones was every bit the sex symbol that he was 40 years ago when he won the Grammy Award as the best new artist of the year.

His booming, brassy baritone sounds as powerful as ever, as he romped through his oldies from the '60s (like growling "It's Not Unusual" and the country-gospel wail of "Green, Green Grass of Home"), more recent dance-floor hits ( the disco detonation of "Sex Bomb") and a welcome batch of old blues tunes (the jazzy barrelhouse of "St. James Infirmary Blues" and a swaggering sashay through Willie Dixon's "200 Pounds of Heavenly Joy").

He was at his best, however, when he managed to meld all three of those elements together. He perfectly blended the old with the new on his scorching cover of Rise Robots Rise's "If I Only Knew," unleashing a hell-bent scream alongside a punchy R&B horn figure from the four-piece horn section. Heck, he even pulled off a bit of rap with a sly, self-aware sense of humor.

Dressed all in black and sporting a goatee, Jones made it work on a pair of funky Randy Newman covers -- "Mama Told Me Not to Come" and "You Can Leave Your Hat On," which has never sounded as brash and bawdy. And he made it work on the more subtle finger-snapping country soul of Charlie Rich's "Who Will the Next Fool Be?," too.

While the eight-piece band and trio of backing vocalists served him well, he didn't really need them, as he proved during the pared down blues of "What Am I Living For?," his robust voice backed only by Brian Monroney's acoustic guitar and saxophonist Kenny Anderson. The old Kettie Lester ballad, "Love Letters," was also given maximum impact by honing the focus of Jones' heart wrenching vocals. Tom Jones has still got it. No question about it.

Greg Haymes can be reached 454-5742 or by e-mail at ghaymes@timesunion.com

Tom Jones delivers it all live The Palace Theatre, Albany By Greg Hames (First published: Saturday, February 25, 2006)

The Story of the Sketch

Tom's incredible voice has been a constant in my life, much like an old friend, sustaining me through the worst of times. For this gift, wanted I thank him from the bottom of my heart with my artwork. Saturday February 19th, 2006 in Atlantic City, New Jersey was magical from the first note to the last. The arrangements to all the songs had been switched up...so it was all fresh and ever delightful. "LOVE LETTERS" was spine tingling, “KISS” was alive...and ”I'LL NEVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN”...still broke my heart into a million pieces. It was an odyssey driven by Tom...up and down the valleys of emotions that one can experience in a lifetime...experienced in a way that only Tom can show us. I didn't get the sketch to the stage in time, and staff that tried to get it backstage were unsuccessful. With hopes of another try in 3 days in New Brunswick, I wasn’t upset. So I decided to head over to one of the restaurants for something to eat. I met up with a couple from Long Island, we got to talking about Tom’s awesome show, and ended up having cocktails together. We could see Tom at the other end of the restaurant dining with friends and his manager...security was all around him....One guard was the first person I met in AC. The couple asked what was in the portfolio I had with me...the sketch came out and within minutes there was a parade of people coming to see it including the staff and maitre' d who felt that Tom needed to see this for himself.

First it was thought that Tom’s tour manager would come over to look at it. The next thing I know the big security guard from earlier is giving me a thumbs-up from across the room. Now my mouth goes to cotton. I didn't know what to think. I look up, and the waiter has taken the sketch and is headed for Tom. I was half horrified, half thrilled, timidly I start to follow..but stopped a distance back not wanting to invade Tom’s space or appear pushy but from where I stopped I could see Tom's eyes go wide..."Yes, yes I’ll sign it,"he said to the waiter. Then I heard the most incredible thing in the world. "She’s here? Where is she?? Send her over I want to meet her".... (Did I really just hear that?? Isn't it supposed to be that I want to meet him?????). The next thing I know Tom is asking me if I'm presenting the sketch to him or if I want him to sign it. I explained that I wanted to present it to him properly but the matting and frame were not ready in time, but that if he signed it I would be most honored. Tom thought for several moments looking between the sketch and searching my face…then leave it to Tom to come up with a win-win solution for me. “How about if I sign if for you, but you must promise to send me a copy?” I told him I could do one better.

I’d be seeing him in three days in New Brunswick and that I would give it to him then it that was alright. He agreed. I had to have the waiter tell the story back to me to make sure I didn’t image any of it. He reiterated that Sir Tom definitely wanted to meet the artist and wanted the piece as soon as he saw it. I had to be sure. I couldn’t sleep that night..all I could think was that Sir Tom Jones wants a copy of my artwork! Now there were several major problems… the frame ordered was going to be too small for the lithograph…. And getting a lithograph made on a holiday weekend…proofed, printed, matted and framed takes several weeks. But I had given my word, so it had to be done! The last two days were spent getting people to jump through hoops and do things at warp speed. The art gallery opened when they were closed. The owner promised to do the 3 hour scan and proofing himself if I trusted him to make the best choice. But a mat and frame were nearly impossible. An hour later he said just the frame was impossible. By that night he called to say a retired framer agreed to do the rush project for me. Tom’s lithograph would be matted and framed. When I arrived the gallery was locked and the show was only hours away and I still had to take the piece apart and sign it..and seal it.

Unfortunately the gallery itself did not have the proper sealing for the sketch. I stopped at a local mom and pop framing store who listened to my plea that this was being presented to Tom Jones in a few short hours and the backing wasn’t done. Well it turns out they LOVE TOM too! They stopped everything took all the hanging hardware off…finished the back properly and reattached everything for me, well for Tom. That night at the State Theater friends and I gathered for the show. I had just settled into my front row seat when security approached me, they wanted to take the piece, I suppose fearing a hazard to Tom, which I totally understood. But no one was taking this. They didn’t believe that TOM knew anything about this. Not even the signature on the piece did anything to convince them. I thought for sure my dream was going to end badly and that any minute someone would try to take it again. But finally the lights dimmed and the magic began again. Tom came on, he spotted the big red bow almost immediately, and smiled. Tom was in an amazing mood... He was downright funny.... singing little dittles to himself... very upbeat....very open. the whole place could just feel the love. His set continued to be a wonderful groove between all the band members...and the acoustics let TOM shine.

He took us on another wild ride. I waited and waited, then during his encores I moved it to a position in front of me...security flinched..and I thought that was going to be the end...but I held it up....and he came rushing over and took it as I knew he would if given the chance. He teasingly asked “Is that for me???” Then he held it up for the whole place to get a good look. His face was beaming! I was in heaven! I did something that made him happy. Mission accomplished! But remember I said that Tom was in a really good mood....so I took the red rose I had...and offered that after the next song, again he came right over, and I got a wonderful kiss! The audience was in an uproar !!! Oh My... I know some of the noise was real..some was just in my head from kissing him with my hand behind his head. Now that is a perfect ending.. I spoke with security before we left...seems Sandy verified my story...wish they had bothered to tell me...I wouldn't have been having such a heart attack for half the show! I was fine after all was said and done... and I cried tears of joy all the way home! Janet Potter

UK Fans!

UK FANS! Stand by for some exciting new developments from Tom Jones on television this evening... V:MX DANCE (VIDEO NETWORKS), ENTERTAINMENT TODAY (GMTV) (this morning), BOX FRESH (THE BOX) (5-6pm this evening), FIRST PLAY FRIDAY (THE BOX), MTV DANCE (MTV), SPANKING NEW (MTV), CHARTSHOW TV (CHARTSHOW TV), DIGITAL (CHARTSHOW TV), FLAUNT (CHARTSHOW TV), FIZZ (SKY channel 361)

The Bergen Record

For more than 40 years, he's been known for his night jobs. Now, his work has finally been recognized with Britain's ultimate honor -- a knight job. His new and formal title, Sir Thomas Jones Woodward, has a royal and regal ring. But it's unlikely millions of panty-tossing women around the world will stand on ceremony when they're in the company of Tom Jones, the singing Welshman who's serenaded them with his powerful voice and tantalized them with his sensuality for more than four decades. "For me, to accept a knighthood is a great and humbling honor, and I know my family -- and hope my friends and fans -- will share in my gratitude and excitement," Jones wrote in a Jan. 4 posting on his Web site, just days after being knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Jones, whose fans have clamored for this recognition for years, joins fellow artists like Paul McCartney, Elton John and Mick Jagger, who have added "Sir" to their names. But here's what's made the honor even more interesting. For the past 30 years, England's newest knight has lived in an American castle; Los Angeles is his home. Yet he's made it clear he's never forgotten or forsaken his ancestry and is still a British citizen. "I wear my nationality on my sleeve, and I'm proud of it," he wrote in the posting. "One of my passions is history, and often I engage anyone who is willing in lively historical discussions and debates on British topics and what it means to be British." Usually very cooperative with the media, Jones recently turned down all interview requests. No reason was provided, but we'll give him the benefit of the doubt and attribute his silence to his touring schedule. Jones, who'll turn 66 in June, maintains a relentless pace that would tire acts half his age. In February, he's working 13 dates practically back-to-back. In fact, his three-day engagement this weekend at Resorts Atlantic City represents the only time this month he'll be at one venue for more than a one-night stand. In March, he'll work two straight weeks in Las Vegas before hitting the road again for 10 one-nighters in April, then wrap up that month with yet another two-week gig in Las Vegas that'll stretch into May.

Clearly, a retirement tour isn't being planned any time soon. Fans will likely hear his monster hits from the '60s -- "She's a Lady," "What's New Pussycat?" "Delilah," "It's Not Unusual" -- for at least a few more years. And they can still count on Jones to surprise them by tackling contemporary music, as he did several years ago when he collaborated with Wyclef Jean, or music from nearly 200 years ago, as when he collaborated with the techno-pop band Art of Noise. "I dread the day that I can't sing," Jones said in an interview in 2003. "When my voice doesn't work as well as it does, then I'll have to stop." Few artists have sustained the popularity Jones has enjoyed since he and his booming voice burst onto the pop music scene in 1965 during the height of the British musical invasion. Although he's had his share of hits and misses on the music charts over the years, he never relied primarily on his recordings to keep fan interest alive. From the earliest days of his career, his live shows were packed with excitement and elements of surprise.

When his recordings weren't selling and radio airplay dried up, except for oldies stations, he began adding new material to his live shows to keep himself contemporary and to prevent his shows from becoming just another nostalgic concert of old, worn-out hits. In 1989, Jones' recording career, which had been mostly dormant for more than a decade, was revived when he began including a cover of Prince's hit "Kiss" to his live set list. "I had been doing the show [in the act] to stay contemporary. I did it on a British TV show, and [the techno-pop group] Art of Noise saw the show," he said. "They wanted to record it, so we did, but I never thought it was going to be a hit, because it had already been a big hit for Prince." The song established Jones as a crossover artist, because it sold well to his longtime fans and introduced him to a new, younger audience.

Since then, Jones has worked with a variety of artists and producers, from Wyclef Jean on his 2003 release "Reloaded" to popular British pianist and bandleader Jools Holland on their self-titled 2004 album, which featured their takes on old blues and rock-and-roll songs, plus original material. Other projects that kept him in the spotlight over the years include movie soundtracks (the theme from the James Bond film "Thunderball"), hosting a television variety series ("This Is Tom Jones") and acting; he's never been afraid to spoof himself, and appeared in an episode of "The Simpsons," in Tim Burton's sci-fi comedy-drama "Mars Attacks!" and on an episode of HBO's "Sex and the City."

By DAVID J. SPATZ The Bergen Record

Jones pure delight in sold-out Kirby show

He delivered more pelvis than Elvis. His elocution possessed more pomp than Prince. His stage antics, at times, surpassed those of that world-famous rapscallion Jerry Lee Lewis. And although he performed the music of all the above-mentioned artists Sunday night, it was pure Tom Jones during the wild Welshman's sold-out performance at the F.M. Kirby Center — his second in five years. Performing crowd favorites like "She's a Lady," "Thunderball" and "What's New Pussycat," Mr. Jones perhaps proved why he was named a Knight of the Realm by Britain in January, joining the ranks of pop rock knights like Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Elton John. Clad in a fetching black suit with a touch of silver bling at his very open neck, the 65-year-old, big-voiced crooner brought down the proverbial Kirby Center house with his vast repertoire, singing a gamut of music ranging from New Orleans jazz to rap, '50s rock 'n' roll to modern day R&B. And as he volleyed back and forth between decades and genres, the audience rode right along with him, at times singing louder than he during ballads like "Delilah" and "Green, Green Grass of Home." The crowd, in the meantime, proved as eclectic as his song list. While senior citizens were out in full force, so were 20- and 30-something women out for a night with the girls. Couples were also duly represented. After all, it was only 48 hours before Valentine's Day, and what could be more romantic than a night shared with Tom Jones? Although many women swooned while he crooned, the men in the audience heckled and cat-called just as much. In fact, one gent even tossed a pair of his own tighty-whities on stage. "You've always got to be careful," Mr. Jones warned the audience while pointing to his throat. "You must always check for an Adam's apple." The stage setting itself proved simple but the light show complex. It greatly complemented the extremely talented eight-piece band and trio of back-up singers who provided an energy that could only be matched by Mr. Jones. "It's great to be back once again ... in Wilkes-Barre .... Pennsylvania ... in the cold," he winked to the audience. One enthusiastic fan even brought a Tupperware container filled with — what else — Welsh cookies to the stage. "Just like me mum used to make," he said as he thanked them before launching into yet another high energy number. Closing with an encore of KISS, Mr. Jones brought the house to its feet with patrons exiting into a cold, February night warmed on the inside from such an incredible performance. We all know Ponce De Leon never found his Fountain of Youth. Perhaps he should've looked for it in a pair of flying panties — it seems to have worked for Tom Jones. Wendy Wilson Butler The Times-Tribune, PA http://www.zwire.com/

Tom Celebrates Inclusion in the New Year's Honors

TomJones.com is pleased to announce Tom Jones has been made a knight in the New Year's Honours list, leading a host of names from the entertainment world. Tom has been honoured for services to music. Playwright Arnold Wesker and jazz musician John Dankworth are also knighted, while former BBC Radio head Liz Forgan is made a Dame. TV star Bruce Forsyth, 77, is made a CBE, and actors Imelda Staunton, Robbie Coltrane and Sanjeev Bhaskar - who Tom was recently interviewed by on the Kumars at No.42 have been made OBEs. Broadcaster and former Newsnight presenter Peter Snow becomes a CBE along with sculptor Rachel Whiteread, while the OBE roll-call includes writer Jeanette Winterson and television chef Gordon Ramsay. MBEs go to Coronation Street actor Roy Barraclough, singer/songwriter Eddi Reader and 1950s singing trio the Beverley Sisters - Babette, Joy and Teddie. Thanks to all the fans for your campaigning and support to get Tom knighted and check back later today for a personal message from Tom about his great news!

2006 - Sir Tom

Tom is knighted by Her Majesty the Queen

A Great Way to Start the New Year!

What a great way to start the New Year! For the last 40 years I've traveled the world singing and entertaining, bringing a bit of Wales and Great Britain to my friends, colleagues and audiences. I wear my nationality on my sleeve and I'm proud of it! One of my passions is History and often I engage anyone who is willing in lively historical discussions and debates on British topics and what it means to be British. For me, to accept a Knighthood is a great and humbling honour, and I know my family—and hope my friends and fans—will share in my gratitude and excitement. I'd also like to thank everyone who has supported this honour, and I know many of you have stood by me for years and appreciated any contribution I might have made over time, either musically or personally. I am full of gratitude for your loyalty and support. All the best for a happy, healthy and successful New Year — hope to see you soon! Tom

Tom to appear as Grand Marshall

Tom Jones will be appearing as Grand Marshal at Cleveland's Winterfest Parade this coming Saturday 26 November. The evening is a free celebration held in Cleveland's Public Square. Festivities will start with a 'Cinema on the Square' screening of such animated classics as Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at 5pm. Santa Claus will be officially opening the show at 6pm with a holiday sing-along and lighting of the Christmas tree and displays. He will then preside over a parade of about 50 vintage illuminated carriages pulled by horses ranging from massive Clydesdales to miniature ponies. Before his final performance later in the evening at Cleveland's House of Blues Tom Jones will ride as Grand Marshal of the parade. The evening's grand finale will be a holiday fireworks display. "It's an honor and a pleasure to be asked to be Grand Marshall for the Cleveland Winterfest Parade," says Tom. "I understand this is one of the most beautiful parades in the country, and I'm looking forward to seeing all the horses and carriages. The city has put on some fun and festive entertainment in venues in and around the square, so it should be a event for people of all ages to enjoy. So come and get in the spirit!"

New York! New York!

Tom Jones is to play two hotly anticipated shows at central New York's newest club - The Nokia Theatre Times Square on February 14 and 15, 2006. Nokia Theatre Times Square brings entertainment's hottest performers to New York's most famous destination. The new 2100-capacity concert venue, developed and operated by AEG LIVE, only officially opened in September 2005. Nokia Theatre Times Square is located in the heart of Times Square at the corner of Broadway and 44th Street in the Viacom/MTV building and designed by the award-winning architecture firm, Rockwell Group. The theater attracts the hottest names in entertainment, yet still provides an intimate experience for patrons. The new home of Nokia Theatre Times Square has just undergone a $21 million renovation in the former Loews Movie Theater building. The venue contains a 2,100 capacity music hall, a wide range of gourmet food and beverage choices created by Europa Café, and an event merchandise sales area operated by AEG Merchandise. The Nokia Lounge will provide a relaxing atmosphere where guests will have the opportunity to charge their wireless phones, get hands-on experience with new Nokia products and services, download mobile content like games, videos and ring tones and enter promotions among other activities. The Nokia Theatre venues are part of the 'Nokia Unwired' marketing platform, which brings live music to fans in the Nokia Theatre venues, through concert tours and on music-oriented TV programming. Tickets for upcoming shows at Nokia Theatre Times Square are available at www.nokiatheatrenyc.com, through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (212) 307-7171. Tickets for Tom Jones' performances go onsale on Saturday December 3 at noon.

Pavilion's Cool Big Top Good Place for Hot Time

Pavilion's Cool Big Top Good Place for Hot Time Rocky Mountain News, Denver CO Dave Flomberg - The Buzz Mrs. Buzz loves Tom Jones. Yes it's true that competing with The Voice from Wales all these years has been a tough row to hoe. First off, there's the bloody accent. That slight British elocution that seems to make women's hair stand up on end. Then there's the moves. Tom Jones has moves. The man is well into his 60s and he's still got the moves. Just a hint of a pelvis gyration and women are in convulsions. But I can't hate the man. No, he's simply too cool to hate. It's like trying to hate the Fonz or Samuel L Jackson. You can try, but it just can't be done. Especially against the backdrop of Siz Flags Elitch Gardens, which lent a lovely carnival atmosphere to Denver's best outdoor/indoor venue. Granted, it's one of the only such venues of its ilk, but the Universal Lending Pavilion is quite simply an excellent fresh-air venue. Witnessing the show from our perfect seats right by the sound board, openers Tower of Power were as good as I've seen them in years. Give credit to the remarkably crisp sound system at the Pavilion. One of my biggest pet peeves with outdoor venues is loss of sound clarity 20 yards from the stage - an affliction not experienced at the Pavilion. But Mrs. Buzz could barely contain herself as she waited for Wales' prodigal son to make his entrance. At 65, he was belting out notes that performers half his age can't sustain in the thin air up here. Mrs. Buzz pointed out A Perfect Circle performance a couple years ago where Maynard James Keenan cracked hard going for one of his trademark high notes, and he's a singer with reputation for power in his voice. He's got nothing on the guy who sang It's Not Unusual though. Tom Jones elevated the temperature under the cool big top. Another lovely feature of the pavilion is the shade it provides under the sweltering summer heat. It's open enough that breezes flow through, but you don't have to worry about sunscreen - although the brilliant glare from Jones' presence might have negated that. Seeing the sweat pouring off his brow instigated our thirst, and we uncovered the only detriment to an otherwise excellent venue - the drink prices. Five dollars for a pint of beer is a little steep. Granted, it's par for the course on venues of this size, but here's a great opportunity for ULP to place itself one step above the rest. Regardless, it wasn't painful enough to dampen an otherwise amazing show. I have to tip my hat to the man who has stolen my wife's heart. He's a consummate entertainer, the likes of which are a dying breed in today's pre-fab-and-one-hit-packaged acts. Of course, stick them on the Pavilion's stage and they might blow the roof off too.

Schottenstein Centre Review - Columbus Call and Post

Columbus Call and Post By Chris Bournea Contributing Writer Tom Jones recently brought his funky, soulful sound to the Schottenstein Centre. Although the concert fell on April 1, it was no time for fools. Jones proved that after four decades in the business, he is still a serious performer who has all the gyrating moves, the booming baritone and ample sex appeal. As has become his trademark, Jones was bombarded with under-garments. He took it all in stride, as if he is not only used to women's underclothes piling up on stage, he expects it. The 90-minute show was a retrospective of the Welsh entertainer's career, including signature classics such as 'She's a Lady' and 'What's New Pussycat' as well as new material such as the dance hit 'Sexbomb' and collaborations with hip-hop impresario Wyclef Jean. In addition to the 1960s pop favourites he is known for, Jones also lent his voice to blues legend Howlin' Wolf's '300 Pounds of Heavenly Joy' which Jones changed to '200 Pounds of Heavenly Joy' to suit his own physique. Jones also performed several gospel-tinged and country-flavoured numbers. After putting his stamp on Jerry Lee Lewis' 'End of the Road', Jones shared an anecdote in which he was hanging out with Lewis after a show in Las Vegas. As Jones related, Lewis said that he liked Jones' cover versions of his songs, high praise from an influential entertainer who is stingy with compliments. When Jones launched into another signature tune, 'It's Not Unusual' younger concert-goers undoubtably had to fight the urge to break into the silly dance popularized by Alfonso Ribeiro's 'Carlton' character on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Throughout the show, Jones demonstrated that he is still the consummate showman, at one point autographing a vintage 1965 album for a fan in the front row. He also showed that his confidence and cool swagger has not waned, working the stage like the seasoned pro he is. Jones kept the energy level high with frenetic dance moves and pelvic thrusts that elicited screams from the women in the audience. He closed with his funky rendition of Prince's 'Kiss' proving that at age 64, he is still finding ways to reinvent himself and breathe new life into familiar material.