MUSIC: Tom Jones band steppin’ out for side gig

  Part of the fun of a Tom Jones show is razor-sharp musicianship from his stage band, and arrangements that subtly update the singer’s ’60s hits without losing their punchy horns and retro essence.
  Seven members of Jones’ band are doing a couple of late-night side gigs, performing under the thrilling title of  Herman Matthews and Friends. Chances are the music itself, described as “funky, soulful jazz,” will be a little more exciting when the group plays late sets at the Bootlegger Bistro on Saturday and again on  Aug. 16.
  Those waiting to see if Jones will show up will probably have wait up wa-a-a-y past the 11:30 p.m. start, and be prepared to elbow their way through a crowd of band geeks of the Tower of Power (or locally, Lon Bronson Band) school, all of them likely to be still riding high from Friday’s Steely Dan concert.