Sir Tom Jones has "nice little surprise" up his sleeve for Castle Howard concert

You’ve performed at numerous outdoor events over the years, including Castle Howard in 2004 and York Racecourse and Scarborough Open Air Theatre in 2015. What are the challenges of performing outdoors and how do these concerts contrast with concert halls, Sir Tom?

"One of the things that keeps shows fresh is the difference in venues. Each one has its own personality so to speak, and different kinds of crowds and audiences are comfortable going to certain kinds of venues, so it’s my job to communicate the best I can to each audience that comes to see me.

"One of the obvious differences with outdoor shows is with the long summer days in Britain and Europe, so although the lighting and stage production isn’t as obvious, I can see the people, which is lovely."

What do you recall of last summer’s concert at York Racecourse, where everyone was so appreciative of you doing the July 24 show after the cancellation of shows in France and Germany the week before when you rested a respiratory infection?

"The most important thing to me is being in good health and good voice so I don’t disappoint all those who are involved in organising a show, as well as those who take the time and their hard-earned money to come and be entertained. I’m happy it worked out for York last year."

What keeps your voice so strong and powerful at 76? Do you have a routine to keep the voice in good shape?

"I religiously use throat pastilles called Vocal Zones, which are excellent. I also use steam and get plenty of sleep. The best thing to keep a voice in shape is by using it, so it’s a good thing I love to work."

Do you find certain songs suit your voice better now? If so, which ones?

"I think performers can deliver different kinds of lyrics best at different times in their career. Of course, more mature themes can really suit a more mature artist as they can bring an added or different dimension to a song. [Leonard Cohen's] Tower Of Song, for example, is tailor made for an older performer."

Which songs do you most enjoy performing now: the familiar hits or the new additions?

"There are no ‘favourites’ as they are all so different. I’ve also re-worked the older hits, which is always a challenge and a fun thing for me, as well as delivering a nice little surprise for the audience."

Your albums always reveal a singer able to interpret songs in your own distinctive, yet contemporary way. What makes you pick a song?

"Well thank you. We have a pretty good idea of what sits well with my voice, but you never know until you actually try a song, whether or not it works. We do this both in the studio when recording, and in rehearsal for live shows with my band."

Sir Tom Jones

Whose music are you listening to at the moment? Has a new act caught your ear?

"I think James Bay came up with a great album, and he really gets it out there live as well."

Do you have a new album on the way?

"Not yet. We’re working on it."

Have singing and performing helped you get through this past year [a year when Sir Tom's wife, Linda, died in April and he was dropped from his coaching hot seat on BBC1's The Voice after four years last August]?

"Yes, it has."

And finally, Sir Tom, what would you still like to achieve in your career and life that has eluded you so far?

"I’m thrilled that people want to come and see what I’m up to, and that they not only accept but really like the stuff I’ve been doing recently. To be able to keep challenging myself and have it be accepted by the public is a huge achievement in the pop music business, as any artist will tell you."

Sir Tom Jones plays Castle Howard, July 16; Welsh singer Lowri Evans will be on stage at 7.30pm; Sir Tom from 8.30pm to approximately 10.15pm.

Car park opens at 4.30pm; free parking is available. Gates open at 5pm, from when picnics can be enjoyed on the north lawn; bring food and drink, tables and chairs, rugs, umbrellas and warm clothing for the British summer, but no gazebos or tented structures, naked flames or barbecues. Hot and cold food will be sold on site too and a bar will be in operation.

For tickets, phone 0844 888 9991 or visit ticketline.co.uk/order/tickets/13315002/tom-jones-york-castle-howard-2016-07-16-17-00-00

P.S. Writing on his Facebook page and Twitter feed earlier this year, after suggestions he might pull out of his summer concerts in the wake of his wife Linda's death, Sir Tom said: "I came to the conclusion that singing really is my best therapy. Music is so important to me – it's my life, and through the brightest and darkest of times it has embedded a soundtrack to all my memories.

"So, it means a huge amount to be able to continue to perform for such a loyal and giving audience; your support has been uplifting and doesn't go unnoticed. See you all at the shows this summer."