Tom Jones' 46-year career has remarkably gone from strength to strength. Along with sustaining his popularity as a live performer and recording artist for more than four decades, he has garnered (at the age of 70) the best reviews of his career for his recent album "Praise & Blame". Critics across the world are nearly unanimous in their approval and admiration for both the recorded work and the performance of it in concert.The "Praise & Blame" mantra was 'get back to basics', and the album was recorded as wholly 'live' performances at Peter Gabriel's studio in Bath, England and produced by Ethan Johns (Kings of Leon, Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne, Laura Marling and Paolo Nutini). The result witnesses a singer at the top of his game, with the song themselves coaxing exhilarating performances out of Tom and his band. Played live to astounding success at festivals and venues in the UK and Europe, Tom now brings his PRAISE & BLAME 2011 Tour to concertgoers everywhere as part of his live show experience.
Tom has fundamental interest in a wide range of music. Although he is well known for hits including "It's Not Unusual", "Kiss", "Delilah", "She's a Lady", "What's New Pussycat?", "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" and "If I Only Knew", he is first and foremost a rocker with a true rhythm and blues soul. He has remained a vital recording artist, with his 1999 album "Reload" the biggest selling (5 million) of his then 35-year career.
Tom was a key player in Martin Scorsese's RED WHITE & BLUES series, and in 2004 released an album of roots rock'n'roll with Jools Holland, the foremost boogie pianist in the UK. Prior to 2010's "Praise & Blame", his 2008 studio album "24 Hours" was a critical career highlight with many of the self-penned tracks being an insightful and evocative reflection of his spirited and rich life. In the words of the Washington Post: "... "24 Hours" finds Jones vocalizing with an almost reckless exuberance. This vibrant collection exemplifies Tom's substance and grit, tempered with an air of reflection."
Tom was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006, an honor he fervently cherishes. Other highlights of his 44-year career including receiving a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, a Silver Clef Award for Lifetime Achievement, in 2009 the "Hitmaker" Award from the U.S. Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2010 the prestigious (UK) Music Industry Trust Award. He has been animated as himself in THE SIMPSONS, DUCK DODGERS and Disney's THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE and other film roles have included Tim Burton's MARS ATTACKS! and Anjelica Houston's AGNES BROWN.
Sir Tom is indeed a living legend. He is welcomed in venues worldwide, from urban clubs to performing arts centers to arenas. His irresistable show traverses musical eras and genres, cuts across class divides and appeals to young and old, male and female, mainstream and cutting edge. Godfather of modern soul, Sir Tom has always been about the power of the song, the power of the voice.
Tom Jones will be at the Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida on Thursday April 21, 2011.
