In one of the most unlikely three-way collaborations ever announced, crooner Tom Jones has signed a deal with indie label V2 (home to the White Stripes, Aimee Mann and Mercury Rev) for the release of his new album, a collaboration with Wyclef Jean. The album will be released in Europe in November, but as yet there are no plans for a U.S. release.

The V2 Jones pairing follows V2's promotion and distribution work on Jones' last record, Reload. "This is a record company that has a great vibe to it, and, based on what we achieved in the past, I'm really looking forward to working with them again," Jones says. "I love this record and I know V2 are feeling it too; so I can't wait to have it out there."

As for the Wyclef/Jones collaboration, Wyclef and his producing/songwriting partner Jerry "Wonder" Duplesis have come up with twelve tracks for the record. Clef will also produce the set. Wyclef, Duplesis and Jones met last July at "Party in the Park," the concert in Hyde Park for the Prince's Trust. That fall Clef and Duplesis performed "It's Not Unusual" at the Top of the Pops Awards in Manchester and Clef covered "What's New, Pussycat?" on his last release, Masquerade. The three recorded the album at New York's Platinum Studios, and it marks the first time Jones has collaborated as a songwriter.

"Wyclef and Jerry are really brilliant," Jones says. "They have so many ideas and have such a wide appreciation and knowledge of all styles of music. They know how to work with me, my voice, my history, and they know how to stretch me while still making me find what's real."

The album's first single, "Tom Jones International," will debut in October.

CHRISTINA SARACENO
(September 18, 2002)