Josh Groban performs at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Aug. 2, 2022

LOS ANGELES — Josh Groban made a triumphant hometown return on the final night of his Harmony Tour on Tuesday at the Greek Theatre. The multiplatinum superstar was in fine voice as he played an eclectic mix of Broadway songs, pop hits and his own songbook.

Groban said he had many family members and friends in the audience, and greeted his parents from the stage, thanking them for having a piano in the house growing up because “it was such good therapy!” He also singled out his high school choir instructor, and as he stood to applause, Groban said that this teacher had changed his life by recognizing his talent and plucking him from the back of the choir.

Josh Groban started the show with covers of Frank Sinatra’s “The World We Knew” and Sting’s “The Shape of My Heart.” When introducing Robbie Williams’ “Angels,” he told a tale of receiving four dozen white roses from Williams (or, likely, an assistant) as thanks for covering his song.

Josh Groban performs at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Aug. 2, 2022.

Groban kept up a steady stream of banter between songs that was funny and surprisingly shy and self-deprecating for a man who at one time was the No. 1 bestselling artist in the United States. In addition to more staid song choices like Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home,” he also showed an adventurous side with a cover of The Magnetic Fields’ “The Book of Love.” His picks showcased his deep, distinctive voice, which sounded warm and rich on every song.

Groban is famous for his covers, and rightly so, but his original songs “February Song” and “Granted” stood out for their heartfelt sincerity. Groban played piano on these songs and was accompanied throughout the night by a band (guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and percussion) as well as a string section. Groban introduced all the band members by name, but gave special thanks to his guitarist and musical director, Tariqh Akoni, who showed himself to be effortlessly versatile throughout the evening, playing electric solos as well as intricate Spanish guitar melodies on acoustic.

Groban is a generous performer who shared the stage with multiple guests. Violinist-singer Lucia Micarelli, who’s appeared with him on previous tours, came out to perform a violin solo and a duet on Ennio Morricone’s “Cinema Paradiso (Se).” This duet was followed by another, a stunningly beautiful cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” before Micarelli left the stage. He also duetted with opener singer-songwriter Eleri Ward on Stephen Sondheim’s “Not While I’m Around,” from musical “Sweeney Todd.”

Preservation Hall Jazz Band performs at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Aug. 2, 2022.

Local choir Coastal Voices joined the headliner for a phenomenal version of “The Fullest,” with a stirring arrangement that Groban noted had been done by Kirk Franklin. He closed the set with 2003 hit “You Raise Me Up” before returning for an encore and singing “The Impossible Dream,” from “Man of La Mancha.”

“Thank you, Los Angeles, I love you!” Groban called out, and judging from the answering cheers, the feeling was mutual.

Singer-songwriter Eleri Ward and Preservation Hall Jazz Band preceded Groban. Ward sang Broadway standards, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band played its rousing signature mix of New Orleans brass, blues and jazz.

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