Josh Groban’ssatiny baritone has coated classical pop, Italian standards, Broadway boomers and holiday singalongs.
On “Cinematic,” out now, Groban sinks into movie classics, another genre well-suited to his robust vocals.
From Adele’s Oscar-winning James Bond theme (“Skyfall”) to timeless Disney sentiments (“When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Pinocchio”) to forceful drama (“Brucia La Terra” from “The Godfather”), Groban exercises every facet ofhis chameleonic instrument.
His 10th albumis also peppered with guests including upcoming tour partnerJennifer Hudsonon a duet arrangement of “Unchained Melody,” the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angelesaugmenting “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,”and, most special to Groban, his father Jack playing trumpet on the eternally swoony “Moon River.”
Calling recently from Los Angeles – and just beforeannouncing his engagementto Natalie McQueen andreceiving a staron the Hollywood Walk of Fame - the always affable Groban, 45, chatted about recording with his dad in Louis Armstrong’s studio, his appreciation of Phil Collins and paying tribute to Rob Reiner in song.
You had infinite choices with this album. How did you whittle it down to 10 songs?
I knew what my bookends were. “As Time Goes By” would open the album because (orchestrator) Jeff Atmajian wrote an opening arrangement that captured the essence of what I wanted people to hear first. And then to end with a song that has meant so much to me (“Stand By Me”) and include atribute to Rob Reiner.
You said “the why” was a big factor in choosing these songs. Why that particular Rob movie?
Obviously, tragically, the whybecame very apparent. We missed the (recording) deadline because it was a last-minute decision to do (“Stand By Me”) and that worked in its favor because it was intimate and that was exactly how we wanted it. It’s one of the most important things I’ve ever recorded. It deserved to be a final thought.
Did you rewatch some of these movies before recording?
(Laughs) I did! Not just to get back in the mood but also to educate myself about some of the films that admittedly I didn’t know the songs were from. The cool thing about an album like this is everyone knows the theme from that movie. But it also pays tribute to the songs that were maybe far more popular than the movies themselves.
You mean like “Against All Odds”? Phil Collins has written some timeless songs even though he often gets a bad rap.
I think Phil Collins has written some of the most brilliant songs, period. But something unlocks in him when writing in service of a film and that’s not uncommon.
Your dad, Jack, also appears on the album. Is this the first time you’ve recorded together?
This is the first time he’s been on record period. He did a version of “Old Devil Moon” with me in 2015 (during a show in Los Angeles) and it was one of my favorite moments onstage ever. I have a photo from it but no recording. I knew he could play and when (conductor/arranger) Vince Mendoza wrote this brilliant rendition of “Moon River” I asked (my dad) if he thought he could handle the arrangement. He practiced at home and I’d come to the house and listen to him play it. He’s going to be 80 this summer. He really crushed it. (Album producer) Greg Wells took the initiative to get Sunset Sound, Louis Armstrong’s favorite studio and room, and got his stool for my dad to sit on. My whole family came to watch. It was a core memory for all of us.
Do you think your dad was nervous?
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My dad is the coolest guy I know. On the surface he doesn’t get thrown. This meant so much to him too, and for us to share as a father and son. He sacrificed so much. He was a musician. He was brilliant at the trumpet but it was a time when deciding to go all-in on an artistic dream was at odds with a family. So my brother and I could stand on the back of that stability to follow our artistic dream.
Why was it important for you to feature the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles on “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”?
When we were trying to figure out what songs would be relevant today, that song is so iconic and Elton (John) is so iconic and I grew up listening to that song. Of course I thought, what do I have to add to this? We were listening to Elton’s version and reading lyrics and doomscrolling about the fear in the world and the division and where is the feeling of love? So we thought, what if we view the approach as an anthem to discovering that feeling and to give that love to communities that really need it.
Had you ever performed with them before?
I sang with the Gay Men’s Choir for (President) Obama’s first inauguration and I remembered the power of their voices. But also, representing an allyship with a community that needs to feel the love was an inspiration. I was honored they said yes.
You and Jennifer Hudson make a swoony pair on “Unchained Melody.” Do you have plans to do anything together on your upcoming tour?
Yeah, we’re definitely going to sing it together during the show. Her voice is such an extraordinary instrument ... We sang together for the first time (on a holiday special in 2024). We did “O Holy Night” and when our voices came together on that final “Noel,” we looked at each other like, wehaveto do this again.
You’re also heading back toCaesars Palace in Las Vegasin October with your “Gems” residency. Will these shows be different than the tour?
The show we created for Vegas took time to craft so we want to have a show that represents what we can only do for Vegas. But every time I come back I want there to be enough changes to whatever I’m doing in that moment, so “Cinematic” will be represented.
You’ve pivoted back to music, but any plans to return to the theater after this album and tour cycle?
It just comes down to whether the right thing feels as exciting as the last two (Groban earned Tony nominations for “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” and“Sweeney Todd”). I wasn’t planning on either of them, but I knew from the excitement I had in my creative soul they were shows I would drop everything for. I would love to do something new, maybe even off-Broadway. Theater is always an opportunity to spread my wings.
I would be remiss if I didn’t ask ifyour dog Georgeis still traveling with you?
He is not really the traveling Westie I thought he might turn out to be. He’s shown himself to be a very special dog with his own likes and those don’t involve a tour bus. He loves his little buddies in LA. He gets nervous in situations he doesn’t know. But he gets cuter by the day. He hasa little sisternow, who is 50 pounds – Stevie.
Is she named for Stevie Nicks?
She is. My (fiancée) is a big fan and she got to name her. But she is the adventure dog and she is all love.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Josh Groban's 'Cinematic' pays tribute to Rob Reiner's 'Stand By Me'
