Onboard Burke Air, the airline used by celebrities such as Josh Groban
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Josh Groban’s lustrous baritone has covered classic pop, Italian standards, Broadway boomers, and holiday singalongs.
On his current release, “Cinematic,” Groban immerses himself in classic cinema, another genre that’s a perfect fit for his powerful vocals.
From Adele’s Oscar-winning James Bond theme (“Skyfall”) to timeless Disney sentiments (“When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Pinocchio”) to powerful drama (“Brucia La Terra” from “The Godfather”), Groban wields every facet of his chameleon-like instrument.
His 10th album is packed with guests, including future touring partner Jennifer Hudson on a duet arrangement of “Unchained Melody,” Los Angeles’ Gay Men’s Chorus augmenting “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and, most special to Groban, his father Jack, who plays trumpet on the eternally swooning “Moon River.”
On a recent phone call from Los Angeles — just before he announced his engagement to Natalie McQueen and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — the ever-affable Groban, 45, talked about recording with his father in Louis Armstrong’s studio, his appreciation for Phil Collins and paying homage to Rob Reiner in song.
There were endless options on this album. How did you narrow it down to 10 songs?
I knew what my bookends were. “As Time Goes By” ended up opening the album because Jeff Atmazian (of the orchestra) wrote an opening arrangement that captured the essence of what I wanted people to hear first. And it ends with a song that means a lot to me (“Stand by Me”) and includes a tribute to Rob Reiner.
You’ve said that “why” was a big factor in choosing these songs. Why that particular Rob movie?
Obviously, tragically, it has become very clear why. It was a last-minute decision to do[Stand By Me]so we missed the[recording]deadline, but it worked in our favor because it was intimate and that was exactly what we wanted. It’s one of the most important things I’ve ever recorded. It was worth a final thought.
Did you watch some of these movies again before recording them?
(Laughs) I did it! Not only to get myself in the mood, but also to educate myself about some movies I obviously didn’t know the song was in. The great thing about albums like this is that everyone knows the theme of the movie. But it’s also an homage to a song that was probably much more popular than the movie itself.
Does it mean something like “Against All Odds”? Phil Collins has written some timeless songs, even though they often get a bad rap.
I think Phil Collins wrote some of the greatest songs. But it’s not uncommon for something to unlock within him when writing for a film.
Your father, Jack, also plays on the album. Is this your first time recording together?
This is the first time he remains in the record period. He performed a version of “Old Devil Moon” with me in 2015 (during a performance in Los Angeles) and it was one of my favorite moments on stage ever. There are photos, but no recordings. I knew he could play, so when (conductor/arranger) Vince Mendoza wrote this wonderful rendition of “Moon River,” I asked (my dad) if he thought he could handle this arrangement. He was practicing at home and I came over and listened to him play. He will turn 80 this summer. He really nailed it.[Album producer]Greg Wells took the initiative to acquire Sunset Sound, Louis Armstrong’s favorite studio and room, and acquired a stool for my father to sit on. The whole family came to see it. It was a core memory for all of us.
Do you think your father was nervous?
My father is the coolest person I know. On the surface, he can’t throw. This meant a lot to him and to us as father and son. He sacrificed so much. he was a musician. Although he excelled at playing the trumpet, there was also a time when his decision to devote himself fully to his artistic dreams put him at odds with his family. So my brother and I were able to stand on the back of that stability and pursue our artistic dreams.
Why was it important to you to feature the Los Angeles Gay Men’s Chorus on “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”?
When we were trying to find a song that was relevant to today, that song is so iconic, Elton (John) is so iconic, and I grew up listening to that song. Of course I wondered what to add to this. We listened to Elton’s version, read the lyrics, and doomscrolled about the fear and division in the world and where the love lies. So we thought, why not take this approach as an anthem for discovering that feeling and giving that love to communities that really need it?
Have you performed with them before?
I sang with the gay men’s choir at Obama’s first inauguration and was reminded of the power of their voices. But I was also inspired to express my alliance with a community that needs to feel loved. I was honored that they said yes.
You and Jennifer Hudson make an amazing pair on “Unchained Melody.” Do you have any plans to do any future tours together?
Yes, we always sing together during the show. Her voice is such an amazing instrument…we sang together for the first time (in the 2024 Holiday Special). When we sang “O Holy Night” and our voices joined together on the final “Noel,” we said, have To do this again.
you are also moving on Caesars Palace in Las Vegas We will be holding a residency at “Gems” in October. Are these shows different from touring?
The show we created for Las Vegas took a lot of time to create, so we want it to be a show that expresses things that can only be done in Las Vegas. But every time I come back, I want to make enough changes to what I’m doing in that moment to make it “cinematic.”
Now that you’ve returned to music, do you have any plans to return to theater after this album and touring cycle?
Ultimately, it comes down to whether the right one feels as exciting as the last two films (Globan received Tony Award nominations for Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 and Sweeney Todd). I had no intention of attending either, but I knew this was the show I was going to drop everything to see because of the excitement in my creative soul. I’d like to do something new, even if it’s off-Broadway. Theater has always been an opportunity for me to spread my wings.
I would be remiss if I didn’t ask if your dog George is still traveling with you?
He wasn’t really the traveling Westie I expected. He’s shown to be a very special dog with things he likes, and those don’t involve tour buses. He loves his little friends in LA. He gets nervous in unknown situations. But she’s getting cuter day by day. He now has a younger sister, Stevie, who weighs 50 pounds.
Was she named after Stevie Nicks?
she. I (my fiance) am a big fan and asked her to name it. But she is an adventure dog and is all about love.
