Crossover classical-pop artist Josh Groban captivated a sold-out audience last Thursday, Feb. 12, at the 12th stop on his first world tour.
Super Bowl viewers might remember seeing Groban’s pre-game tribute to the Columbia astronauts. Some may have watched his extremely popular 2002 PBS special. But if you don’t know who Josh Groban is, you can expect to hear a lot more from him in the future.
Groban’s sophomore album, Closer, spent time at the top of the Billboard 200 and has sold over two million copies since it debuted Nov. 11. Now, Groban’s 40-city tour is bringing him even closer to the masses. And if his Chicago concert is a sign of things to come, the 23-year-old singer’s potential is limitless.
The audience at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Ill., was typical of the diverse listeners who love Josh: a good deal of middle-aged women with their husbands in tow, but also anyone from pre-teens to 20-somethings and grandmother types.
Also noticeable by their enthusiasm and large bags of Josh memorabilia next to their seats were the Grobanites. These Josh fans are so dedicated that some plan on attending multiple concerts on this tour, while others spend hours every day interacting online with fellow Grobies.
Groban’s song staples remain heartfelt ballads, often sung in French, Italian and Spanish. Only one song was subtitled on Thursday, leaving the focus on the pure drama of Groban’s voice. Reflective of Closer’s more diverse fare, Groban performed some more wide-ranging numbers, like a version of Linkin Park’s “My December.”
Groban performed with a five-piece band, a 16-piece orchestra and violinist and concert master Lucia Micarelli. In particular, the orchestra shined in three of Groban’s pieces.
The dreamy cover of Don McLean’s “Vincent,” about Vincent van Gogh, was performed with only guitar, piano and violin accompaniment, and left the audience mesmerized. “Remember When It Rained” found Groban at the piano playing and singing to lyrics he wrote and music he co-wrote. A local high school choir accompanied the Irish-gospel anthem “You Raise Me Up.” Dozens of multicolored glow sticks appeared throughout the audience at the song’s first chorus, the Grobanite version of waving Bic lighters at a rock concert.
While I have no complaints with Groban’s powerhouse voice, the overworked staging and special effects — stormy waves, a backlit flamenco dancer and ancient ruins — didn’t do much to complement the music.
And the young singer hasn’t quite mastered how to command a stage, often moving back and forth between what appeared to be pre-arranged spots or standing stock still at times.
But considering this is his first major tour, one can give him room for improvement in the future.
Josh Groban: A-
Medill junior Anna Weaver is a writer for PLAY. She can be reached at [email protected].
