Crazy Love (Limited Edition CD/DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)The old-time saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" may apply to traditional pop crooner Michael Buble. Indeed, Michael Buble's albums have remained conservative, maintaining the sanctity of classic standards and pop songs. 2009's follow-up 2007's extremely successful Call Me Irresponsible does maintain a sense of classicism that has come to define Buble, but there are some risks taken this go around. Sure, he doesn't ruin or over interpret the classics, but as far as arrangements, orchestrations, and vocal nuances, Buble keeps the classics 'fresh' while also keeping them 'classic.' The album isn't perfect, but it is consistent and bodes well to keep Buble's career afloat. Buble never compromises himself on this album.
Opening with "Cry Me A River", instantly, one hears that Buble wishes to exploit a slightly more adventurous side without 'rocking the boat' too much. The orchestrations here are different but brilliant and add just the right amount of change without ruining the sanctity of the classic standard. Buble, as always sounds top-rate as a vocalist.
"All of Me" scales down the experimentation of "Cry Me A River", seeking to balance between 'innovation' and 'classicism'. While the performance is another 'home-run' for Buble, it doesn't trump the excellent, cutting-edge "Cry Me A River". "Georgia on My Mind", on the other hand, finds Michael Buble at his very best, bringing new, pitch-perfect nuance to the classic that helped to shape Ray Charles' career. "Crazy Love", the title track continues a hot streak for Buble.
Perhaps most unique is "Haven't Met You Yet", which most likely will received mixed reactions from Buble fans. Personally, I think it is a departure for Buble and lays well, though it doesn't necessarily trump Buble's beautiful interpretations of standards and classic pop songs. Good, but no my favorite. "All I Do Is Dream of You" continues to differentiate from previous Buble album. It does so convincingly, given a soulful-sound that hearkens the 1950s.
"Hold On" proves to be a clear valedictory performance on Crazy Love, finding Buble at his most sensitive and best. The acoustic guitar here at the forefront gives this track more a modern pop tinge as opposed to hearkening back to classic pop. The strings are beautiful orchestrated here.
"Heartache Tonight" contrasts the slow, sensitive nature of "Hold On", solidly, though it is the Sharon Jones and Dap-Kings feature on "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" that steals the show. Funky and just overall sensational, "Baby" is certainly like nothing else from previous Michael Buble albums. "At This Moment" finds Michael Buble among the bluesiest I've ever heard. Produced by the phenomenal pop producer David Foster, it is a showstopping performance by all means.
The album closes strongly with "Stardust" and "Whatever It Takes (feat.Ron Sexsmith)". Neither tracks captivate the way that "Cry Me A River", "Georgia" or some of the 'best of the best do', but both are solid and above par.
While 'Crazy Love' isn't revolutionary pop per say, it does find the crooner extending his scope slightly, which is a positive thing. 4 stars.

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Includes limited edition bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the album!
Track listing:
1. Cry Me A River
2. All Of Me
3. Georgia On My Mind
4. Crazy Love
5. Haven't Met You Yet
6. All I Do Is Dream Of You
7. Hold On
8. Heartache Tonight
9. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
10. Baby (You've Got What It Takes) (with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings)
11. At This Moment
12. Stardust (with Naturally 7)
13. Whatever It Takes (with Ron Sexsmith)

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Soundstage Presents: Josh Groban - An Evening in New York City Review

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(More customer reviews)"Josh Groban - An Evening In New York City" is Josh Groban's most recent PBS concert.
The concert was filmed at the Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. The concert has a more intimate, theater-like feel, reminiscent of Josh's first PBS concert. This type of setting suits Josh's voice best.
Josh performs a mix of songs from his best-selling albums, including "Awake," "Alla Luce del Sole," "You are Loved (Don't Give Up)," and others, plus a cover of the song "Not While I'm Around" from the Stephen Sondheim musical, Sweeney Todd. This concert features guest appearances from jazz trumpeter Chris Botti on "Broken Vow" and, for the first time live, acclaimed jazz pianist Herbie Hancock on "Machine."

This concert shows how much Josh has grown as a performer and an artist over the years. He has broken out of his shell and has taken more risks with his music.
He has expressed an interest in doing more stripped down shows in smaller venues for his next tour. If this is an example of what's to come, then it will definitely be a treat not to be missed.

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In this Soundstage special event, Josh Groban performs favorites from his best-selling albums in an intimate theatre setting. Taped at Rose Hall at the "Jazz at Lincoln Center" in New York City, this stunning performance includes Alla Luce del Sole", "You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)", and "February Song". Special guest appearances by acclaimed jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and trumpeter Chris Botti.
An internationally renowned performer who has sold more than 23 million albums worldwide, Josh Groban has thrilled a legion of devoted fans with his flawless baritone and extraordinary stage presence.

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Awake (Special Edition, CD/DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been a Josh Groban fan for quite some time now. Ever since I
heard his rendition of "the prayer" he's been one of my favorite
musicians. I was somewhat let down by his recent albums with the
"pop" turn his music was going in like "Closer". Also the live
albums were great, but there was nothing new. This album goes back to
his roots from his self titled album "Josh Groban" released in 2001.
The first single "You are Loved" is probably as pop as the album
gets, and even that song is simply amazing with his falsetto. Songs
like "L'Ultima Notte" and "So She dances" mix his classical style
with the soft rock feel that classic Josh fans should love. Solo Por
Ti brings back the classic guitar heard in earlier songs like
"alejate" and "vincent". the acapella track "Lullabye" is a real
change for Josh. You can hear the influence from Dave Matthews in
background vocals. Apparently it was inspired to his recent trip to
South Africa (where dave matthews is from) where he also met Nelson
Mandela. He performs this with the help of Ladysmith Black Mambazo,
which really gives it an almost gospel sound type sound not heard
from Josh before. "weeping", also performed with Ladysmith Black
Mambazo has more of a "tribal" feel to it (like Lion King) also,
excellent and different for Josh.
Though the bonus tracks are great on the Special Edition, I'm not
sure the almost double price difference is worth it. The DVD is only
33 minutes long and simply is the "making" of the album. I think the
title track "Awake" could have been the first slow single off this
album and included in the normal release.
"Verita" is a wonderful orchestra arrangement also typical of
classic Josh material.
All in all, this is the quintessential Josh Groban album, mixing his
ability to sing classical and mix pop and soft rock overtones into
it. It's a must buy for all levels of Josh fans.


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The Josh Groban phenomenon continues with Awake, his third studio album. Both of the extraordinary singer's first two studio discs have been certified five times platinum, with his most recent, 2003's Closer, charting #1 pop. His uplifting music rises ever higher on Awake. The Special Edition features two bonus audio tracks on the CD, and a DVD featuring "The Making of Awake" video piece.
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2010 London Cast Review

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(More customer reviews)Les Mis is arguably one of the most popular musicals ever created. This 2 disk, live recording of the 25th anniversary tour edition joins a plateau of Les Mis recordings, each of which possess different positives and negatives. Fans of earlier Les Miserables recordings will probably be unable to avoid comparing some of the interpretations of the roles performed on this CD to earlier recordings. On a whole, the cast is a good representation of the show, boasting a performance of an almost-complete score, with some fantastic tweaks from the original for a great addition to the Les Mis catalogue.
The Cast - the main area that most fans will be interested in. General consensus is that the definitive Valjean is Colm Wilkinson, but John Owen Jones shines in his role. His approach to Valjean is more subtle and emotional than Wilkinson, however he still manages to produce a commanding and powerful tone in the urgent moments of the score. 'Bring Him Home' is a highlight of the soundtrack, with the vocals soaring over the orchestration, flicking with ease between the high and low register with such dynamics and emotion the result is breathtaking. Another commendable effort is delivered by Earl Carpenter as Javert. Filling the shoes of Phillip Quast is probably impossible, but like Jones, Carpenter delivers an excellent and commendable spin on Javert. The performance of 'Stars' is excellent, showcasing his vocals as a strong baritone, and delivering Javert's soliloquy passionately.
The majority of the cast are good, but some are left behind in the shadows of their predecessors. Madalena Alberto boasts an impressive array of ways to sigh and breathe, her interpretation of Fantine coming across a little flawed on this recording. Her voice is distinctively musical theatre, however it also seems to be a hybrid of pop as her voice belts quite a lot and frequently scoops to notes, making her role slightly emotionally detached compared to Ruthie Henshall. The most bizarre spin on the characters is Eponine, with Rosalin James producing a dramatic contrast with original Frances Ruffelle or fan favourite Lea Salonga. The performance of 'On My Own' on this recording is by far my least favourite, with the opening being altered to a bounce/swing/cakewalk. Like Alberto, James possesses a formidable and distinct musical-esque voice, but her embellishments and licks on the belt notes are unremarkable, generic, and sound out of place amongst the classic orchestration of the score.
The rest of the cast are fine. Both Gareth Gates and Jon Roybns deliver well on Marius and Enjolras, but both possess such youthful voices their timbre and richness in tone are lacking. This doesn't stop them in their showcase moments in the score - Gates' performance of Empty Chairs and Tables is quite touching, and Roybns' leading the cast in 'Do You Hear the People Sing?' is still a string anthem. Katie Hall delivers a sweet and innocent Cosette with an interpretation that is a delight for the ears. The Thénardiers and Gavroche are fairly pedestrian with their performances sounding a little grating on the ears, but then again, a recording of the live show embodies a great amount of character that wouldn't have been remembered otherwise.
The number of pros out-way the cons in this CD set. With a rare exception, this is almost an entire recording of the show, an excellent quality that not all the Les Mis CDs have. The chorus on this recording is excellent - the live atmosphere and raw emotion of the cast is caught so well that this recording could probably boast the most vibrant and lively chorus in the Les Mis series. The orchestration is also a highlight, with the score wisely and largely sticking to the original score, but with a much fuller sound via embellishments and ornamentation, and superior mixing. The only production downside of the recording is that much of the spoken dialogue and 'reactions' are caught. The dialogue isn't so much of a problem, but in certain instances (such as 'A Little Fall of Rain') the gasping/moaning/crying is just too much and far too over the top, I'm not sure if I can face listening to it again. Ultimately it just detracts from the beauty of the music. Since I'm being pedantic, in addition the cast also have a diverse catalogue of accents that make the score sound slightly disjointed and inconsistent, but that's hardly . While there are some cases where the music seems a little off balanced, the mixing and overall production is incredible, rivalling some studio recordings for such articulate and well captured sound.
So overall, would I recommend this CD? Yes, for Les Mis fans and passionates it's a fine addition to the Les Mis canon, and for new-comers it is a good introduction to the musical, especially when it boasts such sophisticated production from a live show. While the cast have some weak points, overall they are very pleasing to listen to, and they are backed by a great ensemble and band which manages to effectively represents the show, and there's great value to be found in this set which is essentially the complete show. I don't really have much to complain about here - this is recommended from me.

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Music from a Farther Room Review

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(More customer reviews)On stage with Josh Groban, Lucia stands barefoot on the stage in a flowing blue taffeta gown standing almost on her toes like a ballerina as she reaches for that exclusive note. Groban generously acknowledges her brilliance, serves as executive producer on this CD and cites it from the stage, which led to this wonderful disc playing in my home. On "Music from A Farther Room," Lucia blazes a superb trail. The Paul Schwartz opener "Samarkand" throbs and pulses magically. From there to "Oblivion," a touching moving piece with Lucia making the Hannibal Fagnola Turin violin's tones swell majestically. Some of David Bowie's work has been greatly underrated for its musicality, but it's safe to say that Lucia takes "Lady Grinning Soul" from Bowie's 1973 "Aladdin Sane" LP to places only she (and now we through her) could have envisioned. The "Ravel String Quintet in F Major" is gloriously stunning with its pixie-like strings juxtaposed with Lucia's weeping violin. Leigh Nash adds the lone vocal on the Celtic-inflected "She is Like the Swallow." When I saw Josh Groban in Raleigh, his opening act Chris Botti played a jazz version of "My Funny Valentine." Putting that & Lucia's versions side by side is a study in how the same melody can yield vastly different feelings in the hands of different artists. Micharelli closes the set as stunningly as she began in the breathtaking "Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody" that marries a Paul Schwartz orchestral beginning to Queen's Freddy Mercury's rock classic. From beginning to end, Lucia Micharelli takes us to emotional places, exquisitely feeling, spanning centuries. What a talented debut from this young performer! Bravo!

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For anyone who has attended Josh Groban's phenomenal live show, you will have undoubtedly had the pleasure of seeing and hearing his lead violinist, Lucia Micarelli. Lucia came to Josh's tour after appearing with the Trans- Siberian Orchestra playing arenas across the U.S. in 2003. With the close of the second leg of Josh's tour, Lucia is recording her debut album in New York and London with producer Paul Schwartz. Musical selections will range from the works of composers Ravel and Ennio Morricone to David Bowie.

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Josh Groban In Concert (with Bonus DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you have heard Josh Groban's debut CD, then you know this is a kid [only 21!] with a remarkable voice. The CD in this package include 6 previously released songs performed LIVE, one live performance of a new track - Broken Vow - and a studio version of his chart busting Christmas single - O Holy Night. The DVD contains his Great Performances - Josh Groban in Concert video that has been airing on PBS. It was taped in Pasadena on October 3 & 4, 2002. Beautiful staging and lighting enhance all 13 tunes that were on his debut CD, plus a solo performance of For Always from the A.I. Artificial Intelligence soundtrack and Broken Vow. The DVD include guest performances with Andrea Corr of The Corrs, Rhys Fulber and Lili Hayden on Canto Alla Vita, Lili Hayden on Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Angie Stone on The Prayer, and John Williams conducting on For Always. The additional footage provided of backstage and various interviews with the guests is excellent. Josh's brother, Chris, also did a short backstage video with some interesting footage of rehearsals, backstage, and personal impressions.
I would highly recommend this CD/DVD for your collection!

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No Description Available.Genre: VocalsMedia Format: Compact DiskRating: Release Date: 3-DEC-2002

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Awake Live CD/DVD Review

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(More customer reviews)I have watched this DVD two times since buying it yesterday and I must say it is by far THE BEST of all of Josh Groban's DVD's! The entire concert is excellent, but it is worth the price alone for the live version of the song "Awake"! If you are a Josh Groban fan, this CD/DVD is an absolute must have!! It blows his other DVD's away!

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Following the best-selling album of 2007-the #1 Pop, quadruple-platinum Noël-singer, Josh Groban headlines a new CD+DVD set, featuring live versions of several of his hits plus appearances by Angelique Kidjo and Lucia Micarelli. Filmed in 2007 in Salt Lake City, in honor of his first arena concert, which was held in the same city where he performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies, Awake Live raises up ever higher the most popular young Adult Contemporary star of our era.

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Chess in Concert (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Four items make this a must-have. The first is Josh Groban singing the classic "Anthem", where, as the Russian chess champion, Anatoly, he avows his love for his homeland. As Anatoly's discarded wife, Svetlana, the amazing Kerry Ellis totally nails "Someone Else's Story." There's "The Story of Chess", where the Chorus perform Tim Rice's witty take on the evolution of the game. Finally, the Quartet, where Florence (Idina Menzel), Anatoly, his minder Molokov and the Arbiter deplore how chess has sunk from "a model of decorum and tranquillity" to "a battleground for rival ideologies to slug it out with glee."
Having seen the original London West End production in 1986 with Elaine Paige, I was lucky enough to witness this superb 21st Anniversary production in the Royal Albert Hall, London, last year. Tim Rice has tightened up the plot of love and betrayal played out in the setting of chess championships in the Cold War. Florence, who manages the American champion, falls for the Russian; complications - political, ethical, personal - ensue. From the moment the outstanding Chorus bursts into "Merano" - blending chess with commercialism as a tiny Central European town prepares to welcome the world - right to the devastating "Endgame" and final twist, the dramatic pace never lets up.
In this DVD, hopefully the sound difficulties of this production will have been ironed out. As to the cast - they were fantastic!! Groban is a revelation: a brilliant actor as well as singer. Kerry Ellis was a showstopper. As Florence, Idina Menzel, (so good in Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast), was too strident for my taste, lacking subtlety and roundness in acting. ("Heaven Help My Heart" doesn't register, and "Nobody's Side" pales away.) However, her "You and I" with Groban still tugs the heartstrings: "we go on pretending / Stories like ours Have happy endings."
The wonderful David Bedella (Jerry Springer: the Opera), makes a great, sinister Molokov. And Adam Pascal gives his charismatic ALL as Freddy, the tormented American bearing luggage from the past: "Pity the Child." Marti Pellow (of pop group Wet Wet Wet) was a disappointment as the Arbiter, a little under-performed I felt.
Rice's lyrics are trenchant, tender, intelligent, witty. The music, by Benny and Bjorn of ABBA, is a perfect rock score, conveying all the emotions and tensions necessary and fully matching the lyrics.
In the main, this is a superb production of a classic and underestimated musical.

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Starring multiplatinum artist Josh Groban, Tony-winning Idina Menzel (Wicked) and Tony nominated Adam Pascal (RENT), Chess In Concert revives the eclectic yet wonderfully pop 1984 concept album featuring the music of ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and lyrics of Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King, Evita). Recorded at London's Royal Albert Hall in May 2008, this spectacular Chess In Concert - introduced by Rice and with the 50- piece City of London Philharmonic and 100-voice West End Chorus - finally fulfills the promise of the popular cult musical.

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Laura Live Giral Mundial '09 (CD/DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)It's beyond comprehension how Laura Pausini could release this piece of crap, sh** really. My gripe with this product really deals with two principal factors. The camera work and track listing. Laura's voice is as always wonderful and crisp. However, there is much to be desired when comparing this to the dvd.
The video appears to have been shot by some amateur using his iPhone or some other hand-me down camera phone. The dvd says "Laura Live" but really, it's more shots of the fans and vignettes of space and pictures of her than actually showing her sing. When we do get shots of her singing, she's out of focus, grainy and the camera is shaky. It appears they hired an even worse videographer than the one from the "San Siro Live," for this live dvd is even worse than that one. What happened to the quality since "Live Paris 05"?
We get it, she has millions of fans but that's not the reason one buys this dvd. As fans, we want to see her preform and not in a grainy version. Also, it would be nice if the camera was somehow steady so when we do see her out of the more than 100 shots of fans, she's not shaky and appears to be going through an earthquake. Furthermore, the track listing for this product is far shorter than the international versions. What a slap in the face to Laura's fans in the U.S. I for one will not be buying more of her products. I'd rather spend my money on something more productive and if I feel like watching grainy, shaky videos of Laura, I'll look her up on Youtube. I suppose they offer even better material.

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Laura Live Giral Mundial '09 is Laura Pausini's first ever all Spanish live CD/DVD, recorded throughout the 'Primavera Anticipada' world tour. Each track on the album was recorded in a different city of the tour, from Mexico City, to New York and Madrid. The album includes new updated versions of the classic hit singles that have made Laura a household name in the US, as well as newer tracks including the Record of the Year nominated 'En cambio no.'

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Awake Review

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(More customer reviews)The twenty-five year old phenomenon with the swoon-inducing baritone returns with his third studio album just in time for Christmas, and I'm guessing that many of his fans are going to give themselves a pre-season treat.
Groban expands his horizons on this album, writing and producing some of the tracks, and mixing it up with international artistes like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Herbie Hancock, not forgetting Dave Matthews, Five for Fighting and of course David Foster. Following his earlier formula, there are tracks in English, Italian and Spanish, and although the lyrics may be in another language, this doesn't detract from the simple and timeless beauty of the music.
First single "You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" is one of the most inspiring tracks, with lyrics like "Don't give up / It's just the weight of the world / When you're heart's heavy / I...I will lift it for you", but the crème de la crème as far as I'm concerned is the amazing "February Song" where he accompanies himself on the piano.
Another track to note is "So She Dances" and then there's "In Her Eyes", but one that'll stop you in your tracks is "Lullaby", written by Groban and Dave Matthews, and sung a cappella with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. If you liked Paul Simon's "Graceland", you'll love "Weeping", also with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and what better way to close an album than a collaboration with Herbie Hancock.
Third time's another charmer for Josh Groban.Amanda Richards, November 7, 2006


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The Josh Groban phenomenon continues with Awake, his third studio album. Both of the extraordinary singer's first two studio discs have been certified five times platinum, with his most recent, 2003's Closer, charting #1 pop. His uplifting music rises ever higher on Awake.
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Josh Groban Live at The Greek (CD/DVD) Review

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(More customer 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.

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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).

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Closer Review

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(More customer reviews)I became a Josh Groban fan after I saw his PBS concert special. His voice just takes my breath away. He has such a mature voice despite his young age. I wasted no time getting his second album. I have no regrets purchasing "Closer". Often artists change their musical formula either too much or the other main complaint is lack of variety and not evolving enough musically. I think Josh's cd has an excellent balance between the two. His first album was sung mostly in italian and english. Closer has a variety of songs sung in italian, english, spanish, and french. Definitely a good move in a positive way because I can appreciate his voice in that many more languages. His voice is beautiful and he has a powerful range. "Remember when it rained" is a very slow and tender ballad which is wonderful to listen to. I didn't know he wrote the lyrics until I saw it in the cd cover. It is one of my favorite songs. "You Raise Me Up" is also a good song- very patriotic sounding. "My Confession" is also great- the texture and rhythms make it sound incredible. I enjoyed the opening track "Oceano", Si Volvieras a Mi, All Improvisio Amore, and Mi Mancherai (with the beautiful violin accompaniment). Overall, I was very impressed with Josh's second album. Although I have absolutely no understanding of what he is saying in the foreign songs, he still sounds great. Get "Closer" to Josh and you won't be disappointed.

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Japanese edition of the acclaimed vocalist's sophomore album features 14 tracks including 1 bonus track, 'She's Out Of My Life', plus enhanced material including a link to Josh Groban's fan club. 143 Records/Reprise. 2004.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Hit Man: David Foster And Friends (CD+DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was not familiar with David Foster, at least not by name, before this album/dvd. But i read a review of it in some publication and decided to order it --- and what an incredible piece of entertainment this is! A CD which I can play in my car and two hours + of DVD entertainment to watch and cheer. Everyone was amazing. Michael Buble, Charise, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, the orchestra, David Foster, Andrea Bocelli, Katheryn McPhee, Blake Shelton (gorgeous!) everyone! I just could not believe what a terrific purchase this was. I highly recommend this to music lovers because this was pure music! loved the selections, voices, orchestra, everything. I was just so impressed! and now i'll never forget David Foster!

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Two disc edition. (Disc 1 is a CD, Disc 2 is a DVD) The spectacular one-night only concert by David Foster and his famous friends finds the songwriter and hit producer gathering together the best tracks from his bottomless well of hits and inviting some talented folks to come along and help perform them. Not only are the songs magical, the performances are just as enchanting, including appearances from Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bubl‚, Josh Groban, Kenny G, Katharine McPhee, Celine Dion, Blake Shelton, Brian McKnight, and Charice. Spotlighting #1 hits, award-winning songs, and other favorites -- all but one originally penned and/or produced by Foster -- this May 23, 2008 show at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas was unforgettable. Experience it again and again...

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Illuminations Review

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(More customer reviews)I came a little late to the Josh Groban party; he already had three albums out and the Christmas one on the way. I think that may be why changes in style and mood from album to album don't bother, or delight, me as they do fans who've been there from the beginning. I recognize "Illuminations" is a hard right turn away from previous efforts, but there is a lot to enjoy here.
"Hidden Away" and "Higher Window" are real surprises for me; they're simple, beautiful songs, and not unlike the song "Awake" from the album of the same name; however, the melodies are very strong here and the lyrics feel close to home. "Straight to You" is starting to look like my favorite song of his: the interpretation is sublime, the instrumentation inspired, and I like that he stays in mid-range, which reinforces the lyrics of the chorus.
"Voce Existe Em Mim" is the coolest song he's ever done. Had he stuck to the previous albums' formula, this could have had the track 1 spot. Obviously the beat is killer. And do the chords in the chorus sound distinctly...Native American? Even cooler. There are a lot of amazing layers in these songs, some of which require the use of headphones to fully appreciate.
"London Hymn" is where I started to think I understood the underlying inspiration JG was working from. I don't know too much about his musical roots - I know he loves the theater - but it's hard not to think he owns a lot of classical music. When you hear pieces like Rachmaninov's "Vespers" or Sibelius' "Andante Festivo," it's extremely easy to make the transition to "London Hymn" or "Straight to You."
There are other strong songs - "If I Walk Away," "War at Home," "L'Ora Dell'Addio." The French song was just okay for me, as were "Bells of NYC" and "Galileo." He does use quite a lot of falsetto this time around, which is...interesting, and sometimes it's lovely and sometimes I kind of raise an eyebrow... "The Wandering Kind" sounds like Jim Brickman, and I just don't go for that kind of piano music. Something, instead, along the lines of Enya's "A Day Without Rain" would have completely made my day.
While I understand the frustration of the fans who were hoping for a different style and selection of songs, some of the highly negative reviews here are just silly. One reviewer said it was the worst singing they had heard, maybe ever? If that is the case, whatever criteria they are using is so far from the realm of actual musical adjudication as to be basically worthless. Even his most over-eager fans are still right: he has one of the best voices, period. It doesn't help anyone to demean him for the sake of a one- or two-star review.
I applaud him for trying new things, for taking a risk in a new direction, and I feel as though with this album I understand better who he is, as a person and musician. Hopefully he will get the overall sense that this was a success by his definition, and continue to find happiness giving of himself in the coming years.


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On 'Illuminations,' Groban worked with veteran producer Rick Rubin, known for his critically acclaimed work with Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, and Dixie Chicks among many others. Groban co-wrote the majority of the songs, including 'Hidden Away,' which he wrote with Dan Wilson - former leader of the band Semisonic and co-writer of several cuts on the Dixie Chicks' 'Not Ready to Make Nice.' 'Hidden Away' was recorded live with Groban singing and playing piano, Matt Sweeney and Smokey Hormel on acoustic guitars, and veteran R&B icon Spooner Oldham on organ, with a striking orchestral arrangement by David Campbell added later. The opening piano chords and the unfolding melody evoke a timeless Americana, a thread from Stephen Foster through Aaron Copland through Paul Simon and Randy Newman, as Groban makes a heartfelt plea not to hide true love or one's true self.'Illuminations' finds both Groban and Rubin stepping out of each one's respective zone and creating an entirely new zone. The bracing result fulfills Rubin's vision of a 'fine art' Groban record, marrying the warmth of the sweeping American roots of Groban's writing and the grandeur of classical settings by matching the live, one-take performances by Groban and the intimate, core acoustic band with colorful orchestral arrangements by David Campbell and James Newton Howard.

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TAKING CHANCES WORLD TOUR: FRENCH VERSION Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I went to see Celine peform in August 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts (which ironically, is where this dvd was shot from). My sister is a die-hard Celine fan, and she had another ticket, so I obviously went. We had fourth row seats at the Boston Garden, which made me both happy and nervous; nervous because I had never been so close to a musical superstar before. Before Dion came on stage, the whole venue was going nuts. Beforehand, a video was shown of her being all over the globe, and since Boston was her first North American stop in over a decade, you could say the anticipation was high. Long story short, Dion did not dissapoint. Her vocals were perfect and she was very thankful to the fans. She sang all of her greatest songs, and rocked the Garden like no other "diva" on earth. If this dvd is anything like the actual concert (which I think it will be, since, again it was filmed in Boston), then fans and non-fans, alike will be more than content with the end result...which is the one of the world's most celebrated vocalists doing was she does best; singing.

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80 minute live DVD features 25 show stopping performances. Includes audio, recorded live in Boston accompanied by an 8 page booklet of never before seen tour photos.--This text refers to an alternate DVD edition.

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