Pop Gets Classy, Josh Groban Hits Boardwalk
At The Shore (Press of Atlantic City)
July 19, 2007
By Robert DiGiacomo
Josh Groban will perform his 'classical pop' musical style
8 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City,
sponsored by Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
Josh Groban’s big voice wasn’t quite big enough for his current arena tour. The 26-year-old singer, with the quasi-operatic vocals, is bringing an equally big production to Boardwalk Hall, where he’ll share the stage with his seven-piece band, 15 local string players, a 15-member local choir and an array of special theatrical effects.
“It’s an enormous show,” says Groban, who will come to Atlantic City courtesy of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. “We worked with a great lighting and stage designer, who has created a cool playground for us. It’s a great opportunity for me and the guys in the band to show a side of the album people can’t get.”
The album in question is “Awake” (Reprise), in which Groban moves further into a pure pop direction from his multi-platinum-selling, “classical crossover” base.
The recording, which features several tracks co-written by Groban, lists such mainstream collaborators as Dave Matthews, John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Herbie Hancock.
The mix of material and personnel reflects Groban’s desire to use his powerful pipes in a nontraditional way.
“I always found I had a voice and a musical sensibility that fell in between classical and pop styles, but I never fell into either, 100 percent,” Groban says.
“For me, it’s been a challenge — it’s not this and not that. I’m going to make something unique and carve my own niche.”
Through creative collaborations with artists like Matthews, with whom he co-wrote “Awake” and “Lullaby” over the telephone, Groban has gained greater mastery of popular styles, while retaining his classical link.
“In the last few years, I’ve been able to be a part of things and write and perform with people who really dive into both worlds,” he says. “I always loved the orchestra world. Every time I get on stage with Joshua Bell or John Williams, it’s a huge honor for me. When I get to write with Dave Matthews, that feels like an equally natural world for me.”
Still, it’s unlikely you’ll see the the Grammy-nominated Groban, who cites musical influences ranging from Annie Lennox to Paul Simon to Depeche Mode, starring in an opera anytime soon.
“I don’t think my voice is right for grand opera,” he says. “I have too much (interest in) experimentation to do something that traditional. I don’t want to put out an album with (aria) ‘Nessun Dorma’ and a cover of something else. For now, I want to work with writers who write for my voice.”
His next projects — a Christmas album with the London Symphony Orchestra due in November and a likely return to the studio next year for a pop album — reflect his determination to listen to his own voice.
“One of the things about being successful, those doors have opened up for me,” Groban says. “You have to be responsible about the choices you make.”
Josh Groban
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 21
WHERE: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, sponsored by Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
HOW MUCH: Tickets, priced at $75, $85 and $98, are available at the Boardwalk Hall box office or Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or
www. ticketmaster.com.
WEB SITE:
www.joshgroban.com
HOME