The setlists on Tom Jones’ current tour are short on hits and long on gospel and blues, but that mix felt right at the storied Ryman Auditorium in Nashville last night.
At a time when Robert Plant is viewed as an Americana artist, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Jones could so successfully embrace songs of faith and passion. Jones was in extraordinary voice, particularly for a 70-year-old with a half-century of shows behind him.
Yes, women still throw lingerie, and with remarkably poor aim last night. But Jones was anything but a Vegas icon, with almost half his set dedicated to rough-hewn songs from Praise & Blame, his new rock gospel album.
That had to be a disappointment to any fans who came to hear his greatest hits. “Green Green Grass of Home,” “Detroit City,” “Delilah,” the cover of Prince’s “Kiss” and a show-closing “It’s Not Unusual” were the only big hits,
On its own terms, though, (and at 70, I guess Jones gets to set his own terms), the show was absolutely compelling, with an excellent five-piece band, horn section and two vocalists. This was gospel with a hard edge and the energy level was high throughout.
On the secular side, Jones’ covers of two Randy Newman songs were highlights: “Mama Told Me Not to Come” and “You Can Leave Your Hat on.” Newman’s recording of “Hat” was perverse and quirky; Jones’ take is fun and salacious.
This is not an oldies act and the tight pants and writhing are long gone. Tom Jones acts and dresses his age, and sings much younger. He may be aging gracefully, but he’s still a potent performer.
