Cool Voice...Hot Horn
The Citizen's Voice
February 4, 2005
By Alexander Choman, The Citizens' Voice Music Critic
He prefers briefs to boxers, went to his high school prom alone and enjoys an eclectic playlist of Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Paul Simon and Pavorarotti when he listens to his own choice of music. If someone didn't know better, they would figure Josh Groban was just another 23 year-old out there. However, "Grobanites", those people who are devoted fans of the California-born singer, know better. They know Josh Groban as a young man with a phenomenal voice.
The self-described "computer geek" will bring his immense talent to the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza for a Monday night performance. There he will be performing songs such as "You Rasie Me Up" and "Believe." The first song garnered Groban a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and the latter is nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song in a motion picture. The song is from "Polar Express."
Groban's whirlwind ascension to superstardom has been nothing less than amazing for a young man who just happen to take his high school choir director up on an invitation to do a solo.
Much has been written about how Groban started to sing, his voice coach's belief he was a natural talent and Groban's carefree demeanor to try anything to a see how it goes. Groban sang for the inaugural of former California Gov. Grey Davis on the recommendation of his singing coach and his career took off from there. Rosie O'Donnell heard him sing and so did Oprah. Before he reached the legal age to drink alcohol, he had the opportunity to sing with Celine Dion.
Groban burst into the international music spotlight in 200l with the release of his self-titled debut album featuring the hit single, "To Where You Are." In addition to his appearances on Oprah and NBC's Concert For America, he also had success with a bravura concert for PBS' Great Performances series. The PBS concert was later released as a DVD and it went on to become the No. 1 selling DVD of the year.
This is Groban's third continental tour which is promoting his 2003 release "Closer" and the more recently rleased CD/DVD "Live at the Greek."
...HOT HORN
Josh Groban concertgoers will be in for a double treat on Monday at Wachovia Arena as they experience one of music's finest jazz performers on the scene today. Opening the show for Groban will be trumpet virtuoso Chris Botti.
Botti may not be familiar to those who do not follow the jazz scene, but the 40- year-old Oregon native has made quite a name for himeself over the past decade. In support of this statement, Botti has:
Performed with Sting, Paul Simon and Frank Sinatra;
Recorded three critically acclaimed albums since 1995 and is now currently promoting his fourth entitled "When I Fall in Love;"
Been named one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People;
Been linked romantically with NBC Today Show co-host Katie Couric.
Botti was exposed to music at a very early age by his mother who was a classically trained pianist. Among his early influences were Miles Davis, jazz journeymen Randy Brecker, Richard Tee and drummer extraordinaire Steven Gadd. Botti had the chance to perform along side of the latter three musicians on Paul Simon's 15-month "Graceland" tour where the trumpet player got a taste of some African and Brazilian grooves.
The influences of others have contributed to Botti's unique talent but a comment by the late legendary Frank Sinatra has probably meant the most to him. In 1985, when Botti was 20, he had the opportunity to perform in one of Sinatra's final concert tours. After one particular solo, Sinatra turned to Botti and complimented him. Botti said it was something he will never forget.
Botti also had the opportunity to play studio trumpet on the road with Sting. So impressed was Sting with Botti's talent, the former frontman of the Police made a guest appearance on Botti's latest release which also features vocalist Paula Cole as well.
Botti's romantically jazzy sounds on his "When I Fall In Love" release has kept the recording firmly entrenched on the top of the traditional jazz charts for weeks. The album is a collection of moody, jazzy songs that have been well received by his fans.
Sony Music has described Botti's album as a soundtrack for romance. Botti describes it as "romantic chill-out music." Either way, the collection has sold more than 300,000 units as of Feb. 1.
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