Summer Sessions 2024: Tom Jones

Bedford Summer Sessions:

After a stellar opening weekend which saw Avril Lavigne and Jess Glynne headline Bedford Park, Bedford Summer Sessions are back for week 2. This weekend sees Pete Tong's Ibiza Classics, James and Nile Rodgers & Chic lead shows, but before all that, it was the turn of musical legend Tom Jones to headline the park. Tom Jones is no stranger to Bedford Park, having headlined the old Bedford Park concert series in 2016, however now Summer Sessions have taken over, these shows have reached new heights; heights which Sir Tom more than matched. He was joined on the day by two incredible supporting artists, Storry and Stone Foundation, both of whom put on stellar showings to get the crowd increasingly warmed up. These were then followed by the night's iconic special Guest Beverly Knight, who d livered an hour long set of soulful brilliance that would be worthy of its own headline set. It was now time for Sir Tom Jones to take to the stage...

Tom Jones:

Tom Jones' last album 'Surrounded By Time' was one of the most poignantly reflective pieces of art I have ever heard, with last night in Bedford only acting to reinforce this view. As Sir Tom approaches 60 years in the industry, he cuts a figure grateful for all of life's opportunities. He took to the stage, being met with rapturous applause, before taking a seat under a single spotlight to perform powerful renditions of 'I'm Growing Old' and 'Not Dark Yet'. These emotional songs set the tone for the night which would see Tom work his way through his career in an almost auto- biographical way (and yes that meant name drops in abundance!!), reflecting on just how incredible it has been, but reinforcing the idea he is far from done yet.

After blowing away Bedford Park with his powerful vocals on the opening two songs, Tom's full band entered the limelight, and a blistering performance of 'It's Not Unusual' was under way. All of a sudden the park had become a dance floor, with all in attendance welcoming the first of many chances to party.

The setlist was absolutely perfect, blending Tom Jones' newer, more emotionally vulnerable music, with his older upbeat music. This felt like a show where Sir Tom placed all his emotions and views on life in the hands of the audience, and they responded in top form. Songs like 'Sex Bomb' and 'Delilah' sent the audience into a frenzy, with the crowd participation sections being carried out in fine voice, whereas the more striking songs like 'One More Cup of Coffee' and 'I Won't Crumble With You If You Fall' were met with the silence of an audience in complete astonishment of the master they were witnessing. That was until these songs finished, at which point the park gave deservedly huge ovations. It is very difficult to review someone who has seen more musically in one lifetime, than most artists could in ten, but the one thing you can say is Sir Tom Jones has taken this experience and channelled it into the perfect live experience. He carries such a stage presence, with a natural wit that shone throughout the night, and the voice that has made hearts swoon for decades, and will for decades more. Tom Jones is the epitome of art