Tom Jones Announced for the 2011 English Heritage Picnic Concerts

Tom Jones will perform two incredible shows at this year’s English Heritage Picnic Concerts. Kicking off the Kenwood House season on Friday 24 June, this extraordinary voice will treat the audience to songs from his celebrated new album ‘Praise & Blame’ as well as his greatest hits, before hitting the stage at Audley End on Saturday 30 July.

Held in the stunning, sumptuous surrounds of Kenwood House, Hampstead and Audley End, Saffron Walden from 24 June until 31 July, The English Heritage Picnic Concerts are arguably the most breath-taking musical experiences of the summer calendar.

With thousands of music lovers descending onto the expansive grounds with picnic blankets and hampers in hand, English Heritage Picnic Concerts supported by Monarch Airlines, are staged in the most beautiful and unique concert settings in the UK. This year will mark Kenwood House’s 60^th anniversary of Picnic Concerts at the spectacular Hampstead Heath property. Since it was established in 1951, the annual event has delighted generations of audiences with a myriad of musical talent from world-class classical orchestras to respected contemporary acts including James Morrison, Simply Red and Blondie. The impressive milestone will be celebrated with the Kenwood House Summer Prom, a delightful evening of stirring classical master-pieces performed by the celebrated Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra climaxing with a fireworks displays.

Tickets are on slae now and can be purchased online at picnicconcerts.com

Tom Jones to perform at 'Jazz in Vienne' and 'Pori Jazz'

Two more European dates to be announced today are... Jazz in Vienne in France on Wednesday 29th June and the Pori Jazz Festival in Finland on Thursday 14th July.

Both dates go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday 30th March at 9am. Please look in our Tour Dates Section for ticket info.

More dates still to be added!!

Tom Jones Announced at Newbury Racecourse's Party in the Paddock - Saturday 13 August

Tom Jones will be astounding racegoers on Saturday 13 August at Newbury Racecourse. The Berkshire track has announced today that Tom will be headlining its social summer highlight - CGA Ladies Day featuring Party in the Paddock.

Tom’s appearance at Newbury will bring down the curtain on the 2011 Party in the Paddock season, which will feature top music acts performing live after racing.

Newbury Racecourse's CGA Ladies Day combines a fantastic day of top quality Flat horseracing, fashion and world class music.  A celebration of sport and fashion will feature again this August, with new and regular racegoers able to take advantage of the Inside Track, which aims to help racegoers to Newbury get the most from their day and includes a helpful free guide to racing and betting,  masterclasses on Betting made Simple and What to Wear as well as behind the scenes tours and trips to the start of a race.

Stephen Higgins, Joint Managing Director, Newbury Racecourse commented "We are delighted to welcome Tom to Newbury Racecourse.  The August Party in the Paddock event is now a highlight of Newbury's summer season and having secured an act as huge as Tom Jones, we expect this year’s event to be extremely popular.   The day features a great card of racing, as well as a celebration of fashion so it’s important that the day is complimented with a world class act and Tom obviously fits this bill ideally.   We want to welcome ladies and gents, young and old to the racecourse and experience one of Britain's most popular sports and great music”.

Tickets start from £30 with under 18’s at £10.    Dining and hospitality, which offer excellent viewing of the racing and concert start from £99 per person.

For tickets and further information newbury-racecourse.co.uk or call 01635 40015.

Tom Teams up With Hugh Laurie in New Orleans

Tom has just been in New Orleans having a great time with Hugh Laurie and his band, filming a live performance of a tune from Hugh's wonderful new album Let Them Talk (Warners) which will be released in Europe on May 9 and in the States in the autumn. Alongside his many accomplishments as an actor and writer, Hugh is a devoted and accomplished musician who loves New Orleans blues:

“In my imagination, New Orleans just straight hummed with music, romance, joy, despair; its rhythms got into my gawky English frame and, at times, made me so happy and sad, I just didn’t know what to do with myself,” said Laurie. “I love this music as authentically as I know how, and I want you to love it too. If you get a thousandth of the pleasure from it that I’ve had, we’re all ahead of the game.”

Tom is a one of the guests, along with Irma Thomas, Dr. John and Allen Toussaint, who contribute to this brilliant and uplifting collection. Stay tuned for more news....

Tom Jones to Perform at Suikerrock Festival, Belgium

Tom Jones will be back in Belgium for the first time in two years, headlining the first day of the Suikerrock festival in the city of Tienen. Belgian top act Soulsister, whose song ‘Changes’ was covered by Tom Jones on the album ‘The Lead and How to Swing It’, will be supporting with an exclusive summer show.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday 17th March 2011 via the Suikerrock website www.suikerrock.be, and via the Belgian shops of ‘Free Record Shop’.

Three More Summer Dates Added!!

Today we are announcing three more summer dates!

Live at the Marquee in Cork, Ireland on Sunday 19th June 2011.Tickets go on sale for this event on Thursday 10th March at 9am at ticketmaster.ie

Haydock Racecourse in Merseyside on Saturday 18th June 2011. Click here for tickets

And Newmarket Racecourse Friday 12th August 2011.

Stephen Wallis, Newmarket Racecourses Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be announcing Tom Jones for this year’s line-up. He is a sensational performer and I am sure his array of hits will be very popular with the Newmarket audience." Stephen continued: “As in previous years, tickets for this year’s Nights are selling phenomenally fast and so I would urge people to book early in order to ensure their ticket.”

Tickets for Newmarket Nights with Tom Jones, Friday 12th August are now on sale. Click here to purchase tickets to this event

Tom Jones Playing At The Henley Festival

Tom Jones will headlining on the opening night of the Henley Festival on Wednesday 6th July. He will be performing on the Floating Stage with a programme that includes classic hits, special selections, and songs from his acclaimed latest work, Praise & Blame. Henley Festival is an extraordinary and elegant mix of music, art, culture, dining and location – the most magical summer event in the United Kingdom. Coming the week after the Regatta and lasting 5 nights, audiences are treated to an event full of contrasting performances on whichever night they attend - the best in classical music, jazz, opera, comedy, dance, street theatre, rock and firework spectaculars like you've never experienced them before.

One ticket gives access to up to six timetabled events each night (as well as the visual art galleries and ad hoc street theatre fun) and access to a choice of bars, eateries and a wide range of top quality catering concessions.

Sipping champagne overlooking the water whilst enjoying the Festival's sights and sounds - designer evening wear, banks of flowers, extraordinary sculptures, swirling lights and the sight of a hundred candle lit dinner parties taking place on the boats on the river will provide lasting memories.

Taking place between 6 and 10 July 2011, this glorious Black Tie event is now one of the biggest, best-established and best-loved Arts Festivals in the country.

With its wonderful range of entertainment in a breathtaking setting on the banks of the River Thames and with some of the best wining and dining seen at any Festival, Henley Festival makes for a highly glamorous party not to be missed, with stars on stage and in the audience, too!

You can buy tickets to the event at www.henleyfestival.co.uk

Tom to Play at Tatton Park this Summer

On the 31st July 2011 Tom Jones will take to the stage at one of the UK’s most popular heritage attractions, Tatton Park. Tatton Park has a history dating back to Bronze Age farming and has been home to herds of deer since the 13th century. In the late Tudor period Tatton was acquired by the Egerton family who owned the estate until the last Lord Egerton died without heirs in 1958. And now in 2011 Tom will perform an open aired concert under the stars.

Tickets for this event go on sale on Friday 25th February at www.tattonparkconcerts.com or call Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2457

Tom Jones to Perform at T In The Park!!

The line-up for T In The Park has just been released and we are happy to announce that Tom Jones will be performing!!!

T In The Park takes place on Friday 8th - Sunday 10th of July in Balado, Kinross-shire. Other artists performing are Coldplay, The Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters, Plan B and many many more.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 25th February. We will update our tour dates section with ticket links on Friday.

Tom Jones European Tour

We can confirm that Tom Jones will be  touring festivals and venues over Europe this summer! Today we can announce 3 dates in Sweden:

August 3rd - Sofiero Castle

August 4th - Furuviksparken

August 6th - Lulea Kalaset

Tickets will go on sale soon. Please keep checking tomjones.com for ticket sale information and more dates to be added!!

Opportunity To Meet Tom Jones & Raise Money for Cancer Research UK

On the 24th February Tom Jones will be performing at Sound & Vision at Abbey Road Studios. Sound & Vision is Cancer Research UK’s unique heritage music event celebrating music, the people who make it and the imagery it inspires.

Tickets to this exclusive show are sold out but you can bid for the chance to meet Sir Tom himself by clicking here !!!

Guest DJ Tom Jones Shares His Favorite Love Songs on NPR

In this edition of All Songs Considered, Tom Jones joins host Bob Boilen to talk about some of the love songs Jones has loved most over the years, starting with the first he can remember singing to his grandmother as a child in Wales. He also includes gems from the raucous Jerry Lee Lewis and James brown, the seductive Barry White, George Jones, johnny Adams and, of course, Tom Jones himself. Please click here to listen to the show via the NPR site

Tom Jones American 'Praise & Blame' Tour

Our American fans will be pleased to know that Tom Jones is taking Praise & Blame Stateside with a handful of performances. We will be announcing the dates over the next couple of weeks so please keep checking for more dates to be added.

Dates already added:

The Philharmonic Center in Naples Florida on 25th April 2011.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater Florida on 22nd April 2011. Tickets go on-sale on 11th February but are available to Ruth Eckerd Hall members from 7th February.

Hard Rock Live Orlando Florida on 23rd April 2011. Tickets go on-sale on 11th February.

Cobb Energy Centre on 27th April 2011. Tickets go on-sale on 11th February.

Hard Rock Live, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on 21st April 2011. Tickets go on-sale on 25th February.

Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Tennessee on 30th April 2011. Tickets go on-sale on 18th February.

One more date still do be added!

Tom Jones to Perform at The New Orleans Jazz Fest!!

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell today announced the music lineup for the 2011 Festival scheduled for April 29 - May 1 and May 5 - 8. And it's with great pleasure to announce that Tom Jones has been added to this stellar line-up which include, Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Sonny Rollins, Kid Rock, John Mellencamp, Wilco, Robert Plant, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Willie Nelson, The Strokes, John Legend & The Roots and hundreds of Louisiana greats.

With twelve stages of virtually every style of roots music, Jazz Fest presents one of the entertainment world’s most diverse music lineups, including its unparalleled showcase of Louisiana’s unique culture.  Hundreds of thousands of fans annually flock  to the seven-day event that has been called America’s best festival.

Quint Davis, producer/director of Jazz Fest said, "This lineup reminds us that the artists we grew up with are now the icons of today, and that today’s new heroes are tomorrow’s heritage.  We’re honored to be able to once again celebrate the soul of America as only New Orleans and the Jazz Fest can.”

Randy Phillips, president & CEO, AEG Live, which co-produces the Festival said, "Once again, Quint Davis and the Jazz Fest Team have been able to amass one of the largest and deepest musical lineups of any festival in the world today.  AEG Live is proud to play a major role in the production of this beloved event."

The 2011 Festival will also host the largest celebration of Haitian culture in the U.S. since the devastating earthquake one year ago.  New Orleans and Haiti have shared a deep cultural connection for over three hundred years and many of the local traditions and customs owe their roots to this complex Caribbean country.  The Jazz Fest is proud and honored to host the icons of Haitian music and culture including Wyclef Jean, Tabou Combo, RAM, Boukman Eksperyans, Emeline Michel, Djakout #1, DJA-Rara and Ti-Coca & Wanga Négès.  The many cultural connections will be illustrated throughout all aspects of this year’s Festival.  Some highlights include traditional Vodou drumming performances, folk crafts demonstrations led by visiting master artisans and rara band DJA-Rara parading throughout the Fair Grounds.   With the support of the Green Family Foundation, the program will also include a series of scholar-led panel discussions entitled Haiti & New Orleans: Cultural Crossroads as well as a listening station featuring excerpts from the Grammy nominated recordings of Dr. Alan Lomax made in Haiti for the Library of Congress in 1936-1937.

Tickets for the Festival, which takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, went on sale today.  A limited number of discount ticket packages including tickets to each day of a particular weekend of the Festival will be offered. Ticket packages purchased for all three days of the first weekend (April 29, 30 & May 1) will be $120 ($40 per day), while second weekend packages purchased for all four festival days (May 5, 6, 7, & 8 ) will be $160 ($40 per day). (Tickets included in each package are day-specific.)  Advance single day Jazz Fest tickets are only $45; the gate price is $60. Children’s tickets (ages 2 - 10) are still only $5 and are available at the gate only.  Single day tickets to Jazz Fest are on sale by specific weekend, with each ticket valid for a single day’s attendance.

Tickets are available at www.nojazzfest.com and www.ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (+1) (800) 745-3000. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Jazz Fest ticket office located at the New Orleans Arena Box Office. All Jazz Fest tickets are subject to additional service fees and handling charges.

Tom Jones will be performing on Sunday May 1st, for a detailed line-up and festival information please go to www.nojazzfest.com

Gig Review: Tom Jones at Celtic Connections

IT'S Blue Monday, scientifically calculated to be the most depressing day of the year, but Tom Jones is in town to cheer us all up with a swivel of the hips and his lusty, mischief-making holler. Right?

Not exactly. Tom Jones has got The Blues and he's spreading them around the pristine environs of the Concert Hall, in a righteous coup for Celtic Connections. While the festival regularly attracts folk heavyweights and world music superstars, this concert felt different, even bizarrely exotic. Jones the Voice has been booked to perform his latest album, Praise & Blame, a comparatively sober interpretation of gospel, blues and country standards which, he informed the crowd, was all Elvis Presley's idea in the first place.

Uncharacteristically for a Jones show, the atmosphere was muted as he took the stage, but his funereal version of Dylan's What Good Am I? hardly invited wild participation. And it would be plain inappropriate to throw undergarments at a man contemplating the very core of his being.

After this sombre opening, Jones let rip on the meaty blues strut of Lord Help. He got gruff and grizzly on the low-slung Nobody's Fault But Mine and hit the depths of his vocal range on Burning Hell, accompanied by some blistering guitar work. On the side of the angels, he summoned a testifying spirit on Strange Things, displayed celebratory gospel gumption on Pops Staples' Don't Knock and rocked the rhythm of a revival meeting on Didn't It Rain.

The country confessional If I Give My Soul sounded like something he might have cut back in the 60s, along with his encore of Green, Green Grass Of Home. But in rounding off with the unabashed cheese of It's Not Unusual it felt like Jones was throwing the fans a bone rather than keeping the courage of his convictions.

By Fiona Shepherd

Picture: Robert Perry

Click here to read the review at The Scotsman

Praise & Blame Tops Albums of 2010

In 2010 we saw the release of 'Praise & Blame' which contributed to a great year in the Tom Jones camp.

Continuing the critical acclaim throughout the year we are delighted to be featured in some "Reviews of the Year".

After our post on reaching Number 5 in the LA Times writers top 10, we thought we would share some more with you.

Jeff Spevak at the Democrat and Chronicle, chose 'Praise & Blame' as his number 1 album of the  year.

Jeff says: "The No. 1 album surfaces not out of the urgency of the word, but because, whenever I put on the CD, guests would invariably ask, "What is this?" This is Tom Jones — with the record of his life.....When I last saw Tom Jones singing live, in 2006, one of the highlights was a bluesy take on the old traditional, "St. James Infirmary." He's continued that deep musical journey here with songs celebrating the roots of American music. There's no "What's New, Pussycat" kitsch. His aching, restrained take on Dylan's "What Good Am I?" is followed by a soul-rocking version of Jessie Mae Hemphill's "Lord, Help the Poor and Needy." At 70, Jones' voice still rises to the occasion, booming its way through the gospel of Sister Rosetta Tharpe's "Strange Things," while he and the guitars are a gritty match on John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell." And Billy Joe Shaver's "If I Give My Soul" will shake you up. All I can say is, wow ... good work." Click here to read the full article

St. Cloud Times reviewer Karl Leslie, rates Praise & Blame at number 5 in his top ten.

Karl says: "Tom Jones, “Praise & Blame:” Yes. Tom Jones. After duping you with a melancholy cover of Dylan’s “What Good Am I?,” Jones proceeds to lay down the R&B comeback album of the year." Click here to read the full article

And at The Dallas Morning News,  Mario Tarradells rates Praise & Blame at number 9 in his top ten albums of 2010.

Mario says: "From the opening note, Jones' robust voice rattles the bones. It's like you've never heard him, singing gospel, blues and rockabilly tunes with so much power and zest that he probably peeled the paint right off the recording-studio walls." Click here to read the full article