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Third Tom Jones Live Set Finds Singer In Familair Territory

Thomas Leonard | Pittsburgh PA | 11/30/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Live At Ceasars Palace was the third Tom Jones in concert album the singer released between 1967 and 1972. All three were million selling success stories in the US so the market from the welsh vocalist's concert material was strong. Here, Jones is in full swing from his 70's concert persona, dancing, rocking sex symbol, playful banter and flirtatious remarks surounding a mix of radio hits and 50's style rock numbers with occassional nods to R&B thrown in. The formula worked extremely well for the singer as he remained a major arena touring act well into the 80's, long after his act was no longer in vogue and his music not in the upper reaches of the charts. The banter and flirtations are captured much more in this set than the previous two Jones live albums, although nothing too risque made it to the final pressing. Vocally, the singer is in strong voice, particularly on his own hit singles like "I (Who Have Nothing)" and the impassioned "Delilah". Surprisingly, Jones saves most of his better known hits for a medley late in this set, depriving fans of full length performances of Jones mega hits like "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" and "It's Not Unusual" among others. Only two more actual hit singles are performed in their entirety, the million selling "She's A Lady" and "Till". On the latter, Jones voice sounds almost identical to his actual studio recording of the song. Jones does traverse into R&B waters from renditions of "God Bless The Children" and rollicking run through Sam & Dave's memorable "Soul Man" while indulging his love for 50'e era rock and roll with a lengthy show closing medley spotlighting Little Richard material among others. In all this is a solid set, although the flirtations seem out of place when you can only hear them, unlike seeing the singer interact with fans live. Jones gabs and flirts alot but isn't a comedian, the banter will amuse but it will not make you laugh. Vocally he is in fine form, raising things up a notch not only for the power ballad "I (Who Have Nothing)" but also during a short Frank Sinatra tribute that includes a performance of "My Way". Tom Jones will not be dissapointed."