Photos by Andy Argyrakis

For as much as Welsh singer Tom Jones in one of the last living links to the golden age of showbiz, he’s also just as downright timeless today, who even at 84-years-old, stays as active and culturally engaged as ever.

When he brought the fittingly titled “Ages & Stages” Tour to Ravinia, audiences of various generations could be seen packed snuggly inside the pavilion or cozied up on the lawn, while the material he choose spanned practically the entire 20th century through today’s “Surrounded By Time: The Hourglass Edition.”

Entering to the knowing wink of Bobby Cole’s “I’m Growing Old,” Jones’ baritone was unwavering and unmistakable as it belted out the blues, though it was one of many styles he would tackle across nearly two hours without an intermission or opener.

The headliner then made folk hero Bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet” entirely his own before diving into the personally popularized, more light-hearted pleasantries “It’s Not Unusual” and “What’s New Pussycat?,” all backed by a lively five-piece band.

Jones got his groove on come the swinging comeback track “Sexbomb,” plus flexed the “gift of a golden voice” during Leonard Cohen’s “Tower Of Song” and dazzled with “Delilah,” which even prompted a few ladies to attempt the customary tossing of their panties had security not stopped them from getting too close.

The crooner didn’t bat an eye and instead seemed focused on remaining one of the most richly rewarding interpreters around, whether he was turning to the newer “Lazarus Man,” Randy Newman’s soulful “You Can Leave You Hat On” or Prince’s funky “Kiss.”

Indeed it’s been “One Hell Of A Life,” to quote the title of an encore, though it by no means did it feel like a goodbye, but rather an anthem of gratitude over how far Jones has come thus far with no foreseeable end in sight.

And as far as this particular evening was concerned, it was followed by gospel great Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s “Strange Things Happening Every Day,” straight into the early rock and roll of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” and Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls Of Fire,” ensuring this return to Ravinia was another variety-filled reflection to remember.

For additional information on Tom Jones, visit TomJones.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Ravinia include Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit (Sept. 8) and Crowded House (Sept. 11). For additional details, visit Ravinia.org.

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