Josh Groban - Awake Live

The Awake Live DVD displays a very energetic Josh Groban.


Having been to one of the shows of the Awake tour I thought I knew what to expect from the DVD/CD release, which was recorded in Salt Lake City - but it turned out to be anything but predictable.

In my opinion the visual presentation of the concert exceeds any of the previous live DVDs by Josh, or maybe that’s just what it seems like to my untrained eye because he seems to be at his peak in terms of live performance. The energy from him and his band seems to radiate from the screen, an effect that is added to by the crowd shots and the chaotic fan encounters as he makes his way though the audience in the middle of the concert.

As a long time fan it surprised me at first that the introduction to a lot of the songs, plus some banter and audience interaction, had been edited out, leaving as much as 5 or 6 songs in a row without any verbal interruption - which can be both a good thing and a bad thing. Of course it’s great to see that the music has first priority, but after a certain amount of songs I feel there is a need for a lengthy introduction or banter or something else to keep the viewer’s interest. But that criticism is more aimed at the editors of the final product rather than Josh himself, since I have no doubt the actual concert was filled with exactly those ingredients. On the other hand, the strict focus on the music might make the DVD more appealing to people who enjoyed Josh’s voice from the beginning, but don’t like or are put off by the fan aspect of it - the inside jokes, the gift-giving on stage, the screaming.

Well, the screaming the actually have to put up with, but it doesn’t come across as distracting or annoying, just an indicator of the energy level at the concert. An energy level which is through the roof throughout the entire 1hr45min show, including 3 encores.It is really a joy to watch Josh run around on stage and communicate that energy, especially compared to the first DVD based on his PBS special where his only movements were to sit down and get up again. Back then his voice was given the first priority, this time around the focus is on the music, the energy and the show as a whole, and it’s brilliantly done - and a lot more entertainging - but at the end it becomes obvious that while Josh is still full of energy, his voice is begging for a time-out, which in turn causes him to push and strain his voice more. It’s easier to miss when you’re at a concert in person because of the reverb, but it’s audible on the DVD. However, apart from that, Josh’s classical voice training shows in that it gives him the advantage of never missing a note or singing off key.

If you have seen Josh live in concert before, this DVD will be like an audiovisual scapbook of memories - If you haven’t, enjoy your first Josh Groban concert experience. It’s almost like the real thing.