Groban Explores New Realms
Charlotte Observer
July 12, 2007
By Courtney Devores
After just a decade in the music business, Josh Groban has become that rare artist who is beloved by both classical and mainstream-pop music fans. And believe it or not, his crossover success was an accident.
"Just naturally, I had a voice that fit between both worlds, and not entirely in one or the other," says the 26-year-old baritone. "It was often frustrating for me, and thought of as a burden. But in the end, it allowed me to stop trying to be this or that -- and think about being unique."
This uniqueness has given him enormous flexibility. One moment, Groban is singing with Sarah Brightman during Andrew Lloyd Webber's portion of the "Concert for Diana." The next, he's co-writing with Dave Matthews or Five for Fighting. He'll perform at Charlotte Bobcats Arena on Wednesday with a seven-piece band, a choir, and a 15- to 20-piece orchestra.
On his adventurous third album, "Awake," the vocalist/pianist delves into world music and drums, while collaborating with a wide variety of musicians -- Herbie Hancock and Imogen Heap among them.
"I knew it would be a transitional record for me," he says, adding that his previous success allowed him to try new things without worrying his record label. "I knew I might gain a few fans, or lose a few fans. I wanted to explore things that would have been risky for me to do a few years ago."
He also realized a childhood dream by recording with South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, best known for its work on Paul Simon's "Graceland."
Incidentally, Africa has been a focal point for Groban lately.
His Josh Groban Foundation -- established after he was inspired by a visit with Nelson Mandela in 2004 -- has raised funds that have provided, for instance, beds, food, and water for an orphanage in South Africa.
And this past spring, he sang with the African Children's Choir during "American Idol's" "Idol Gives Back" episode.
"I had mixed feelings about `American Idol,' " he says. "But this is exactly what it needs to do ... using the power of ratings (to say), `As long as you're going to vote, why not donate $5?' " PREVIEW
Josh Groban
His opener is Grammy-nominated UNICEF goodwill
ambassador and African singer Angelique Kidjo.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Charlotte Bobcats Arena
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