Josh Groban Live at The Greek (CD/DVD)

Josh Groban

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 30, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Reprise / Wea
• ASIN: B00063LTH4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (437 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,279 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
If Josh Groban's unabashedly melodramatic musical fusion inspires grousing on both sides of the classical/pop pundit divide, the screams of the (mostly) young female fans that punctuate these 2004 performances at L.A.'s historic Greek theater better underscore the real point. This set's CD and more expansive DVD complement each other well; if anything, supplemented by a live string ensemble and crack backing band, they're a warmer, more focused showcase for the singer's talents than the studio albums that made his meteoric fame. In peak form, Groban variously delivers forceful renditions of his pop-operatic powerhouses "Canto Alla Vita" and "Anna Luce Del Sole" (the former featuring a drum solo [!] from Groban, the latter a fine guest turn by Bela Fleck on banjo), takes a surprising solo piano break on Paul Simon's "America," waxes Central Asian on Troy's "Remember" and brings the crowd to its feet with the heart-on-his-sleeve dramatics of Closer's "Never Let Go." They're all informed by the singer's insouciant, youthful enthusiasm, arguing that Groban is gifted with more than just a magnificent voice; he's a complete natural as a performer as well. The DVD also includes a tour diary narrated with typical charm by the singer, as well as bonus live performance of "Believe" from the Polar Express soundtrack. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description
Josh Groban's 2002 PBS "Great Performances" special was a #1 selling DVD and the best-selling long-form music video of 2003. His second "Great Performances" special was taped at L.A.'s Greek Theater in the summer of 2004. For fans of the young sophisticated pop phenomenon who has sold more than 8 million albums, this CD+DVD package is just the latest great performance in the career of Josh Groban. DVD Extras: On the road with Josh for Summer 2004 Tour and a special performance of "Believe" from The Polar Express (it's PBS footage mixed w/ film footage).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

425 of 471 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars What Happened??, December 6, 2004

By	Serabella (Boston) - See all my reviews

I'm such a dedicated fan of everything Josh Groban has done (I have multiple copies of his CD's and two copies of the first PBS concert) that I was thrilled to learn he had another concert! I saw it last night. What happened?? The first PBS concert was stylish (appropriate for a quasi-classical performer) and the focus was on that beautiful voice! The guests were equally wonderful performing with Josh. THIS concert was a complete turn around. Looks like Josh is trying to change it all in mid-stream but I'm not sure what it's supposed to be. Maybe "Josh Groban does the Backstreet Boys." At any rate, I was very disappointed. This concert had songs that were repeats from the first concert (in very different arrangements that didn't quite work), and a very small selection from "Closer." I tried my best to concentrate on Groban's lovely voice but the camera people seemed to think we'd rather see fans waving light sticks. When he performs "To Where You Are" (again) we see Groban through tiny flags being waved by fans (annoying and distracting). On a couple of songs his voice seems strained and I agree with one reviewer here that he sounds congested. At one point Groban goes back and forth across the stage (like this bunch really needed to be more frantic!). I stopped watching after the first hour and decided I have to be content with what I have. THIS PBS concert DVD and CD will not make it into my collection.

417 of 469 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not a keeper, December 6, 2004

By	Phil Buckberg (Olney, MD USA) - See all my reviews

Disclaimer: these remarks are based on watching the PBS broadcast on 12/5, not from watching the actual DVD or listening to the CD. However, I concur with almost everyone who wrote their reviews AFTER the broadcast: this is a disappointing collection. Josh Groban's voice, while often strong and true, equally often is nasal and thick to the point of distraction. The live audio versions of the songs on this collection simply don't compare to the studio CDs or the previous live versions on "Josh Groban In Concert".

As for JG's performance, it seems like he's taking his excellent songs and trying to infuse some energy into them, taking this genre of music to the masses by mixing classical-style music with an arena-rock stage show. Personally, I like the idea, and it's a shame that it doesn't quite come together here. I was happy to seem him so much more animated and self-confident. Unfortunately, I think it was at the expense of his vocals, as he is clearly using his energies to concentrate on the entire delivery of each song, not just on the vocals.

If this CD contained a lot of new music, I'd buy it anyway just to have it. But since it offers nothing new except (IMHO) inferior version of songs I already have on CD, I don't feel the need for it.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Watched Josh Groban's "Greek" on PBS, January 17, 2005

By	Regan (Queenstown, MD) - See all my reviews

I found out that PBS had another "Great Performance" by Josh Groban and set two TV's and VCR's to film it I was so excited. As I watched though I grew more disappointed with each minute. Josh Groban's voice which has always been powerful and gorgeous, was not very good at all. This was in the first few minutes of the concert and especially during "Mi Mancherai." I remembered that one because it's the first and there were others but I didn't jot them down for this review. Since this show was before Christmas I was prepared to buy a couple of the DVD's for me and my daughter, but decided against that. With very few exceptions, I already have all of the songs in the Greek concert already on CD or the first concert DVD and loved them all. I don't think Groban had a "cold" as someone has stated here, because he didn't sound that way on all of the songs. My sister used to take voice lessons and she told me that the "nasal" sound is really from strain. Whatever the reason, I didn't guy this Concert DVD. I also think Groban sounds better in a more controlled studio environment. The beautiful young Lucia Micarelli was truly remarkable and she reminded me of Josh Groban when I first saw his premiere concert. I'm sure Josh has more beautiful music ahead of him and I'm otimistic also.