Josh Groban closes out The Harmony Tour in style with a hometown show at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
Josh Groban ended his US Harmony Tour right at home at The Greek Theatre. In what felt like an evening in the Groban living room, Josh brought a full orchestra and choir, to the Greek. With his witty banter, his sense of self-deprecating humor, and his genuine connection with his audience, he broke the ice nicely and kept the show moving at a comfortable pace. Even for those who admittedly were there to bring a significant other on a date night to see him croon. His authentic nature and down-to-earth demeanor made for a relaxed LA evening under the stars and drew everyone in.
Groban’s Greek Theatre performance began with a Sinatra classic, “The World We Knew,” and wound through a diverse and eclectic set, including Sting’s “Shape Of My Heart,” Robbie Williams’ “Angels,” French singer Charles Aznavour’s “She,” Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” (in duet with violinist Lucia Micarelli), Peter Gabriel’s “Book of Love,” and Sondheim’s (from Sweeney Todd) “Not While I’m Around” (in duet with Elerri Ward). Groban sang in Italian for “Lla Luce Del Sol,” as well as Spanish for “Alejate.” Josh finished up the set with his classic cover “You Raise Me Up.” Then capping off the night with an encore performance of the Man of La Mancha’s “The Impossible Dream.”
From the start of the evening, Groban had his audience eating from the palm of his hand by individually addressing audience members, telling jokes, doing impressions, and winding stories. He paid tribute to his parents who were in the audience, called out, and paid tribute and respect to his high school music teacher who was also in attendance. An example of Josh’s humor and connection to his audience was when he relayed the story of how he was sent flowers by Robbie Williams after Williams learned he had covered his song “Angels” by saying “I’m as straight as an arrow, but if he asked me, I totally would…” This drew laughs from the crowd. Then adding in an inside nod to the hometown entertainment and music biz crowd by saying, “You know Robbie has no idea he sent those flowers.” After which, in a more serious tone, he dedicated the aforementioned song “Angels” to the frontline pandemic workers.
Josh’s bombastic baritone voice was commanding all night and despite this being the final stop of the tour, he sounded as if this was the first night out on the road. His positive energy and outlook set the tone for what was, for many, a romantic date night out. Not only was Josh’s vocal talents on full display but his musicianship was demonstrated as he jumped behind a drum kit for an extended vibrant drum solo. Meekly explaining after that he pays for the stage so they have to let him play.
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