To call Josh Groban a singer is to limit the multi-faceted contributions he brings to his live shows. On Friday night at the Air Canada Centre, Josh Groban the singer certainly showed up, but so did Josh Groban the drummer, Josh Groban the comedian and even Josh Groban the sex object.
The show opened by drawing attention away from the circular stage, with one spotlight descending on a violinist who played down the stairs of one section, and another spotlight upon a trumpeter playing his way down another section — all of which helped enhance the impact of Groban’s arrival onto the stage. Though initially alone on the large structure, he was soon joined by a small army of performers, including no fewer than 10 musicians and eight backup singers.
Groban demonstrated an easy comfort and spatial awareness along the stage, constantly moving around so as to share himself with his fans and fellow musicians. During “You Raise Me Up,” he did a complete lap, standing by his violinist for the first few spine-tingling notes of the song before sharing himself with each cluster of performers around the stage. That he stayed in tune throughout the lap demonstrated the natural power and talents of his voice.
Also on display on Friday: Groban’s musicianship. After a quick break following a smooth duet with his show opener, The Voice’s Judith Hill (“Remember When It Rained”), he returned to the stage as a drummer, contributing to a jam session by drumming to portions of Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”
The drumming, plus the song choice, were two of several surprises from the show, not the least of which was a mid-show marriage proposal that Groban “just happened” to come upon.
Of course, the main appeal of the endearingly goofy Groban is a God-given voice that allows him to lend proper vocal weight to hefty fare like “The Prayer” (with a slightly overwhelmed Hill), “Alla Luce Del Sole” and “To Where You Are,” another one of his signature songs.
Even for those (like myself) who aren’t necessarily swayed by Groban’s soft, easy-listening style (well, except for the “Dream On” riff, I suppose), there’s an implicit understanding when watching him perform: the man is talented.