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 Josh Groban |
 Judith Hill |
 Josh Groban |
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Story and photos by Andy Argyrakis With album and concert DVD sales exceeding 25 million, Josh Groban's popularity pretty much dictates the need to perform in arenas, even if his softer spoken, practically operatic pop would be best suited for a tiny theatre. Although that trend continued on the latest leg of a tour supporting this year's "All That Echoes" (Reprise), the 32-year-old singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist put a twist on the formula by staging a dialogue-heavy "in the round" show that made the first two levels of the United Center feel like a large family room.Though Groban's played that same venue on almost every visit to Chicago, he was considerably more confident this time through, not just when it came to note for note conquests, but in showcasing a cheeky personality that continues to come out of its shell. But make no mistake, the career-spanning evening was all about flexing his mighty pipes, which had to shoot straight for the heavens from the very first notes of the current belter "Brave." That track was just one of many from the project produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls), by far Groban's most diverse to date crossing originals with standards, plus pop covers ranging from soulful superstar Stevie Wonder to indie rockers Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. Another newer marvel came during the Arturo Sandoval collaboration "Un Alma Mas," a Latin-tipped anthem of hope that swooned with Groban's confident delivery and atmospheric brass accompaniment. The singer also shined during a pair of duets with opener Judith Hill, who was perhaps most akin to a burgeoning Alicia Keys, but was clearly capable of matching his crossbred grandeur (especially after being tapped as Michael Jackson's duet partner on his aborted "This Is It" residency and becoming a finalist on "The Voice"). Together, the team had no trouble tackling the original ballad "Remember When It Rained" or even rivaling Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion on "The Prayer." Groban also took to percussion during a symphonic rock rendering of Aerosmith's "Dream On," which was sure to please all the guys who were dragged by their girlfriends or wives (whom the headliner empathized with during one of his many witty banter sessions). Regardless of one's level of fandom, there was no denying the flawless execution of Wonder's "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)," enhanced all the more by a local choir that spread out all around the circular stage. While it was truly a difficult finale to top, Groban's signature song "You Raise Me Up" was the only possible candidate and he delivered every dramatic nuance and inspirational crescendo with the utmost of ease. Even the fellas were standing after that emotional pinnacle, and for a performer who impeccably intermixed his own observations with a mastery of others' material for nearly two hours, it marked an ovation well earned. |
 Josh Groban |
 Judith Hill |
 Josh Groban |
 Judith Hill |
 Josh Groban |
 Judith Hill |