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Tom Jones Delivers an Unforgettable Performance at Greenwich Music Time Festival

Legendary singer-songwriter Tom Jones OBE, known for his smooth baritone vocals and timeless hits, graced the stage last night at the picturesque Royal Old Naval College for the annual Greenwich Music Time Festival. As expected, the Welsh performer delivered exactly what his fans had been waiting for – classy songs and captivating performances.

Opening with a fiery rendition of Burning Hell, a cover of John Lee Hooker’s blues classic, Jones immediately captured the audience’s attention. As charismatic as ever, he playfully engaged with the crowd, asking, “Are we going to have a good time tonight?” His charm and energy were palpable, setting the tone for a memorable evening.

Jones then treated the crowd to the blues-tinged Run On from his 2010 album Praise and Blame, a song inspired by Elvis Presley’s rendition. He fondly reminisced about the times he and Elvis used to jam together. Moving seamlessly through genres, he followed up with Randy Newman’s Mama Told Me Not To Come, a track that showcased the contrast between piano melodies and classic drumming, all while a large white sousaphone added a unique touch.

Taking the show into gospel territory, Jones covered Susan Wener’s Did Trouble Me, a solemn number filled with religious undertones. The performance clearly affected him, and he remarked, “It will make you think. It makes me think at least.” He then shifted the mood with the lively Raise a Ruckus from his 2015 album Long Lost Suitcase, continuing the country theme.

Jones’ iconic Sex Bomb from Reload (1999) came next, though the performance had a slower tempo than the original version, especially in the intro. Despite this, the performance remained a bold highlight of the evening.

Vintage footage of Jones played on the screen as he performed the swing-style Shake, accompanied by shrill trumpets. His emotional rendition of Solomon Burke’s Cry To Me was full of passion, while his cover of Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child showcased the power of his baritone, still strong after 60 years of performing. Other notable moments included Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash), Sitting on the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding), and, of course, the crowd-favorite It’s Not Unusual. The frontman reveled in the attention, joking, “If I knew that song was gonna get the reaction it did, I would’ve done it sooner.”

Jones also delivered a heartfelt rendition of Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World, joined on stage by Ruti Olajugbagbe, the winner of The Voice 2018, where Jones is a judge. He then paid tribute to “the late great Prince” with a sensual and provocative cover of Kiss, true to the original’s energy.

Despite being nearly 80, Jones still commands the stage with the same determination and drive that he did at the start of his career. While he undoubtedly satisfied the audience with his setlist, a bit more original material would have further elevated the performance. Nonetheless, it was a night to remember, with the legend proving that his voice and stage presence remain as powerful as ever.