Josh Groban Live at The Greek (CD/DVD)

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Similar Items:

•	Josh Groban In Concert (with Bonus DVD)
•	Closer
•	Noel
•	Josh Groban
•	Awake

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

Album 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: Read 432 more reviews...

2 out of 5 stars

What Happened?? December 6, 2004
423 out of 468 found this review helpful

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.

2 out of 5 stars

Not a keeper December 6, 2004
416 out of 467 found this review helpful

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.

2 out of 5 stars

Surprised and disappointed December 9, 2004
37 out of 42 found this review helpful

The mail carrier just delivered my Live at the Greek set an hour ago. I couldn't wait to pop it in the DVD in and enjoy a live performance of my favorite singers. I can't believe I'm writing this, but I'm really disappointed. Pretty much, I'm shocked. This concert lacked everything that was evident in all other Josh Groban recordings and DVD's that I have. It lacks sound quality for one. Josh is definitely a performer who sounds better in a closed theatre where the techs can pick up his voice. He does sound like he's congested and having a problem (as someone else pointed out) on at least two songs. I missed the concert on my PBS station and ordered this copy after. In retrospect I wish I had seen it on PBS. The Pop/Rock treatment doesn't work for a singer of his caliber either. It just doesn't come together well. This concert is a major disappointment. Just so I don't get too blue, I went to Amazon and ordered another copy of his first concert. If you want to see a concert that can carry you away, get that one!

2 out of 5 stars

That's not my JOSH December 4, 2004
36 out of 40 found this review helpful

I love Josh Groban's voice. And the voice on the Live at the Greek DVD is not the Josh I know. He sounds terribly strained. He must be exhausted having the very heavy schedule he's had over the past year, and believe me, it's taking a toll on that heavenly voice. I wince with every nasally note and forced vibrado during this performance. Real Josh fans know what I'm talking about. Having seen him perform live three times in the past year, I will say this: He sounds better live indoors than in amphitheaters (like the Greek theater). Don't waste your money on this DVD. Instead, buy Josh Groban in Concert, his first DVD release, if you want to hear perfection. And remember, the first DVD was recorded when he was only 20! WOW!

2 out of 5 stars

Depressed in Seattle December 6, 2004
36 out of 41 found this review helpful

First let me say that I love Josh Groban and everything he's done. I love everything he's done up to now. The only thing that I'm thankful for with this latest PBS concert is that I watched it on TV BEFORE buying it. Maybe my expectations were too high (I actually expected to hear and see Josh Groban, not the noisy fans). His voice wasn't up to par (didn't sound clear) and don't get me started on how this thing was filmed! Josh deserves better. His voice is just too beautiful to be in this mess. If you have never bought Groban's stuff, don't start with this. Get the first CD or better yet his DVD/CD for the first concert.

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