Welsh love god Tom Jones is set to release his new album ‘Praise And Blame’ on July 26th.
It’s easy to mock Tom Jones. The housewife’s favourite, his dark, tanned skin and medallion adorned chest has become the thing of pastiche. However back in the day, the Welsh singer was a stunning attraction on the R&B circuit.
Capable of cutting through American artists at their own game, early singles such as ‘Chills And Fever’ show an artist with an incredible voice. Then along came the industry, and Tom Jones was turned into an all round entertainer.
However on his new album Tom Jones looks set to get raw. Recorded live in the studio with a small flexible band, ‘Praise And Blame’ is due for release this summer and – on paper at least – looks an attractive proposition.
Producer Ethan Johns is set to helm the sessions, fresh from working with Laura Marling, Kings Of Leon and more. The material was laid down in Bath, with Johns heading up a small band of backing musicians.
Inspired by songs drawn from the American spiritual repertoire, the album consists of some classic material. Tom Jones has decided to cover tracks by the likes of Bob Dylan and John Lee Hooker, in addition to takes on traditional songs previously rendered by the likes of The Staple Singers, Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
An evocative collection, Tom Jones goes back to his roots on the singer’s rawest collection to date. The album will be preceded by his new single ‘Burning Hell’ / ‘What Good Am I’ which will be released on June 7th – Tom Jones’ 70th birthday.
A Johnny Cash style resurrection? Or simply an unplugged style experiment? ClashMusic can’t wait to find out.
Tom Jones is set to release his new album ‘Praise And Blame’ on June 26th.
