Josh Groban Returns to NEPA for Concert
The Citizens' Voice
July 27, 2007
By Alexander Choman
The last time Josh Groban played Wilkes-Barre was back in February of 2005 and it was a sold out crowd at Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza. He’s back again next week and those who hold tickets will find Groban is better than ever, fresh off the heels of his latest album, “Awake.”
Groban’s appearance is just one stop out of his 71-city tour that’s been running since February and continues through August. “Awake” features 13 new songs, including the smash single, “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up).”
The new album and world tour of same name showcases not only Groban’s Grammy-nominated vocals, but also debuts his production and songwriting chops.
Groban’s latest album may have indeed been released in 2006 but fans and critics alike have yet to tire from the depth of Groban’s musical scope.
This latest album showcases Groban in a different light; not only is he behind the microphone but he’s also behind the mixing board (producer) as well as architect of many of the songs.
All the trademark chutzpah that has made “the voice” famous the world over are here, except this time, Groban added some secret weapons along with his own songwriting skills.
“The album was very exciting to make. It was just a great learning experience overall,” he said in a recent interview from his home in California.
On “Awake” Groban got a little help from his friends such as Dave Matthews, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Herbie Hancock, Imogen Heap, and John Ondrasik, just to name a few.
“This album represents a break from the atypical marketing of the music business and all of its normal trappings. Working with people like this was just great. Once an artist, any artist, achieves some success they (the artist/record label) become wary of deviating from the path that got them there to begin with but we all came together in the studio and worked with each other to create something new,” Groban added.
Groban’s fan base is a venerable cornucopia of demographics with fans ranging from 10 to 100, male and female.
“Music is not about an age group or demographic…that’s what makes music so great, not just mine, but all music,” Groban said.
When asked why there was such a delay in between albums (his last album, “Closer,” came out in 2004), Groban said he felt he “owed it to the fans.”
Much to the surprise of critics and fans alike, Groban not only sang on “Awake,” but he also wrote and produced it as well.
“First and foremost, when it comes to my writing/performing of a song I try and wrap my voice around the material as much as possible. The more of myself I get to put into it (song/album) the more positive result for me and the fans.”
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