Josh Groban Tour

Josh Groban was only a breath away

When you think of singer Josh Groban, you may think of his tremendous vocal range, or of his silky tone.

After Friday night's concert at Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena, a few more of us will think of him as a first-rate entertainer: He was funny, worked the crowd and did everything but take himself too seriously. He had the crowd laughing several times, although one ill-advised Wolfpack joke might have gone over better on the next night in Raleigh.

The "Straight To You" tour promotes Groban's newest album, "Illuminations," but includes plenty of older material. The lower-bowl-only seating allowed for intimacy, and when Groban first appeared, he played keyboard and sang on a mini stage at the back of the floor seating. My friends who'd started out 18 rows from the stage were now only about 10 rows from him.

Even with the band and Groban so far apart, the acoustics suited them. It was not a large symphonic treatment, but plenty powerful enough, especially violinist Lisa Liu, whose next career should be in dancing.

Groban and the band performed 20 songs, including two instrumental pieces. One was the usual midshow piece that allows the vocalist to go backstage for a break, but Groban returned to join the drummers on his own kit midstage, and held his own.

He made several forays into the audience, and during a way-fun text-message segment, he brought an audience member onstage with him to perform "The Prayer." He told the fan she had better be able to sing: "If we are doing this, you'd better bring it!" With a little coaching, she did very well.

Also during that segment, Groban answered texted questions from the audience. He admitted his first concert was New Kids on the Block at age 9, and his favorite album as a kid was a mix tape he made of Paul Simon's "Graceland" and the "Use Your Illusion" albums by Guns N' Roses. His mashups of these were worth the price of admission.

Groban turned 30 a few months ago, and seems to be comfortable on his career path and as a well-rounded guy. He's done a couple of hilarious turns as a guest on TV's "Glee," and has a foundation that contributes to a number of admirable causes.

Friday's set list included a balance of older and new songs. "War at Home," which he co-wrote, salutes returning veterans, and is musically reminiscent of 2006's "You Are Loved," which he also performed. He has all the best qualities of both baritone and tenor.

"Machine" may be a smidge too funky for Groban just yet, but the audience got to move around with it. "Bells of New York City" makes dramatic use of percussion, and haunts the listener.

Josh Groban, Steve Martin to Perform at Capitol 4th ... - Concert Tour

The Capitol Fourth concert has provided Washingtonians with front row seats to entertainment that is first class and offers holiday fireworks from an incredible view for over thirty years.

This year’s “A Capital Fourth” lineup promises to deliver a rockin good time at the West Lawn of the Capitol.

Artists who are scheduled to appear include Grammy award winning vocalist Josh Groban , Little Richard, a true rock ‘n roll pioneer, Steve Martin along with his award-winning banjo band Steep Canyon Rangers, “Glee” star Matthew Morrison and “ American Idol ” winner Jordin Sparks.

Providing their own backup and solos will be the National Symphony Orchestra.

PBS stations will be broadcasting the show live on July 4 at 8:00-9:30 pm.

Billboard

Josh Groban: Awake

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