Ravinia 2024 Issue 6

BENNETT GORDON HALL 11:00 AMSATURDAY, SEPT. 7, 2024 JAZZREACH’S METTA QUINTET † Big Drum/Small World † Ravinia debut METTA QUINTET A tight-knit jazz collective of esteemed creative musicians, Metta Quintet is dedicated to explor- ing new artistic territory by commissioning new works and creating live multimedia concert pro- grams; simultaneously, the group maintains pas- sionate commitment to arts education, fostering new audiences, and nurturing young talent. The Metta Quintet released its debut recording Going to Meet the Man in 2002, featuring eight commissioned works by then-emerging com- posers Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Larry Goldings, and George Colligan. Each work drew inspiration from short stories by celebrated author James Baldwin. In 2006, Sunnyside Records issued the quintet’s Subway Songs —again featuring eight commissioned works—which highlighted the sociological dy- namism of the New York City subway. The Met- ta Quintet followed up with the globally themed Big Drum/Small World in 2012, featuring all new music by composers from eight different coun- tries, including Lionel Loueke, Miguel Zenón, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Yosvany Terry, Omer Avital, and the quintet’s own Marcus Strickland. This is JazzReach and the Metta Quintet’s Ra- vinia debut. PAVILION 8:00 PM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 AGES & STAGES TOUR AN EVENING WITH TOM JONES TOM JONES Legendary Welsh singer and performer Sir Tom Jones continues to sustain a remarkable career, built up over six decades with more than 100 million records sold. A timeless discography of hit songs and enduring talent and charisma keep Jones, at age 84, an influential figure in music, even earning some of the most effusive acclaim of his career for his latest Ethan Johns–produced albums Surrounded by Time , Long Lost Suitcase , Spirit in the Room , and Praise & Blame . Born in the mining town of Pontypridd, South Wales, Jones quit school at an early age, working various odd jobs before getting his start as a member of a local band called The Senators, later forming his own group, Tom Jones and The Squires, gigging in local clubs and pubs. In the early 1960s, he signed with Decca Records, kickstarting international fame with his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. His string of hit songs—including “It’s Not Unusual,” “What’s New Pussycat?” “Delilah,” and “Green, Green Grass of Home”—soared alongside his 1969–71 cross-continental TV show This Is Tom Jones . With a fundamental interest in a wide range of music, Jones worked with dozens of iconic collaborators over the years, ranging from Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin to Van Morrison, Dolly Parton, and Ed Sheeran. The hits, collaborations, and true rhythm and blues soul have led to numerous honors and accolades, including a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, multiple Brit Awards, the Silver Clef and Music Industry Trusts Awards, and a Hitmaker Award from the US Songwriters Hall of Fame. Jones has also acted in films such as Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks and Playhouse Presents: King of The Teds for Sky Arts. Beyond touring, Jones keeps active in the music business as a longtime coach on The Voice UK and a frequent contrib- utor at such events and broadcasts as the MusiCares 25th Anniversary (honoring Bob Dylan), the 57th Grammy Awards, and numerous charitable causes. His autobiography Over the Top and Back is a best- seller, and 2021’s Surrounded by Time made him the oldest male to hit number one on the UK Albums Chart with new material. Tom Jones previously played Ravinia in 1994, 2006, and 2009. RAVINIAMAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2 – SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 66 RALPHLARMANN(JONES)