Opening Doorz
“Celebrating Life”
By Our Correspondent | Opening Doorz Editorial | February 23, 2017 Sir Tom Jones dazzled last night at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre as he heralded the 15th year of the Emirates Airline […]
By Our Correspondent | Opening Doorz Editorial | February 23, 2017
Sir Tom Jones dazzled last night at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre as he heralded the 15th year of the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival with a stunning performance that had both, the old and the young enthralled. His irresistible performance traversed musical eras and genres and cut across class and gender barriers to demonstrate the power of the ‘voice’ to a full house. This was truly a night with an eclectic series of cult classics and hits, including Mama Told Me Not to Come, Delilah, Sex Bomb, and Green, Green Grass of Home.
Sir Tom was supported by The Rad Trads from New York who featured powerful horns, driving rhythm section, and four captivating lead vocalists. The Rad Trads have quickly gained a reputation as one of New York’s most entertaining ‘live’ acts, performing a diverse style of soulful American music. The group consistently win over audiences anywhere they perform, with their relentless energy, charisma, and enthusiasm. Blending with the legendary ‘Raja of Rhythm’, they brought the full house to their feet.
Listening to the singer for the first time, and that too ‘live’, a 16-year-old who has grown up on the current music and musicians, with not an inkling of Tom Jones, found the music sober and uplifting. “It was so different,” was all she could say before finally putting her finger to the feel. “It was beautiful and so different to what we hear today.”
In tribute to his wife Melinda, who passed away recently, Sir Tom Jones sang Tomorrow Night—her “favourite song” from his last record, ‘Long Lost Suitcase’. For this song, the singer was backed by just an acoustic guitar and an accordion giving it that dreamlike feel.
Mariah Carey takes the stage today evening while Enrique Iglesias, performs on Friday. Carey is happy to be back in Dubai, but she chose not to reveal what her performance would entail. “I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but I will be playing some fan favorites. As always, I’m going to bring the fun and glamour. You can always count on my shows to do that,” stated the I’ll Be There singer.
Launched in 2003, the ‘Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival’ or ‘Jazz Fest’ as it is popularly known now, has attracted thousands of music lovers through the years. This 15th edition has been built on years of success, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for fans and artists alike.
