The recently renovated Tennessee Theatre has to be one of the finest performance facilities in the US. Sir Tom commented on the facility, stating that some places he has performed in the past look nice but don’t sound very good. He seemed quite joyful that his artistry was properly displayed in a worthy gallery. I agree, the Tennessee Theatre had a full Broadway size stage. Nothing was cramped, or minimized.

For a first time viewer of Tom’s live show, I was completely impressed by the coordination and drive of his entire entertainment team. The lighting and staging was as strong as if he had done the show in Las Vegas.

Unlike many other performers who have a handsome legacy of hit records behind them, he chose to do a counter point and showcase who he is today, with a sprinkle of some of his hit song repertoire as a reference point.

If you are looking for a tribute showcase at a Tom Jones show, you came to the wrong place. Without having the luxury to interview him, I can only surmise that may be a bit burned out on some of the songs he has performed over 1,000 times on stages the world over.

This is the quiet secret of most artists who have a range of hit records they have continually performed over the years. They keep performing them, however, their personal preference would be to NOT perform them.

One very famous artist, who shall remain nameless, related to me he would rather have a hot poker shoved in his eye socket than to perform some of his old songs. Yet that particular performer continues to do his old songs every night. Why? Because the sad fellow has to make a living!

Looking back at some of Sir Tom’s videos, some of the boogaloo gyrations have also been retired. Tom related in a recent interview that those moves made sense when he was in his 30′s however, they would look foolish being performed by a 70 year old man. He has replaced the wild wiggling, with more respectable moves that focus and coordinate with the power of his musical dynamic range. When he makes a fist pump, to accentuate a staccato, or a wave of an open hand to reach out, it stands out with the credibility of the seasoned blues performer that he is. The power of his new moves makes him stand out as a vocalist who accentuates the depth and passion of the music in every fibre of his being.

Now, that is Tom Jones.

I was continually amazed at the stamina that it took for him to perform. He earned every shilling.

How many of you could stand in front of a room full of strangers, and sing those songs filled with power and passion, without frying your vocal chords after about 3 or 4 songs? It is very clear that Sir Tom has taken advanced training in the care and preservation of his vocal instrument. He made sure to drink plenty of water to keep the throat hydrated. My analogy of performing as the key vocalist, with no breaks through a 2 hour performance, is the equivalent to doing a marathon, then doing 100 pushups. For this I have the upmost respect for Sir Tom’s endurance.

What drives him on? The natural high you get from the love and acceptance of winning a tough crowd over is one of the best feelings of the world. To know that you brought joy and love and happiness into a sad world for just a little while is certainly a feeling without compare.

I trust that Sir Tom never loses his addiction to our adulation. He is timeless, and humble enough to allow us to be there to enjoy it all. Guess what? Tom, we really enjoy watching you enjoy us too! You are the best!

Warmest regards,

Ricky Schultz