Noel (2007)
| Artist: Josh Groban |
Product Details:
rise/maverick
Song Listing
Album Notes and Credits
Notes & Personnel Info |
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Personnel: Josh Groban (piano); Dean Parks, Andy McKee (guitar); Lucia Micarelli (violin); Jochem van der Saag (programming); Richard Page (background vocals). |
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Audio Mixer: Humberto Gatica. |
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Recording information: Chartmaker Studios; EMI Abbey Road Studios, London, England; Rak Studios; Westlake Audio. |
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Directors: Bill Ives ; Kirk Franklin; Craig Jessop. |
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Photographer: Frank Ockenfels. |
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Unknown Contributor Role: London Symphony Orchestra. |
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Arrangers: E. Taylor; Josh Groban; Kirk Franklin; William Ross ; Brad Dechter. |
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Only his fourth studio album, NOEL finds Josh Groban already tackling that canonical mainstay of the adult contemporary singer, the Christmas album. As always, NOEL is a masterfully performed set, balanced neatly between pop standards and the more operatic material that showcases Groban's roots. Interestingly, he sounds best on the most familiar holiday standards, like "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song," both of which he invests with casual, jazzy phrasing, providing a welcome disinclination for the usual Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby homages that many other young singers in the style fall into. Even this early into his career, Groban clearly has a deeply held sense of who he is as a singer and interpreter, and this lovely collection is proof that he's one of the most exciting adult contemporary stars to appear in ages. |
Producer: David Foster |
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Engineer: Trent Walker; Jochem van der Saag; Humberto Gatica; Sean Adams; Jorge Vivo |
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Josh Groban's Noel - CD Review
By: Mack Rawden
Cinema Blend CD Reviews
Published on: 11/27/2007 10:18 PM
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| Before I start into this CD review, I need to get a few things out in the open. I love football. I drink beer on at least a semi-frequent basis, and I think boobs are a pretty good time. Now that you're aware of the aforementioned details, I'd just like to say Josh Groban's voice has the most soothing, angelic tone I have ever heard. I wish the calming timbre just followed me around on a loud speaker, whispering sweet nothings into my ears ...read the full review | |
Compilation Appearances
Associated Artists and Works
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Original Soundtrack |
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Chess in Concert [2008 London Concert Cast] [PA] ~ Original Soundtrack |
Technical Info
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Release Date : 10/09/2007 |
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Original Release Date : 2007 |
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Catalog ID : 231548 |
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Label : Reprise |
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Number of Discs : 1 |
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Studio/Live : Studio |
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Mono/Stereo : Stereo |
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SPAR Code : n/a |
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UPC : 00093624992950 |
Bio
Josh GrobanGroban's 'hands on' approach in the creative process of Awake is reflected in several Groban penned and produced songs along with musical contributions from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Dave Matthews, Glen Ballard, Eric Mouquet, John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) Marius DeVries, David Foster, Imogen Heap and Herbie Hancock.
Awake's 13 new songs including the first single, "You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" show the Grammy nominated Groban's tremendous growth as a vocalist, producer and songwriter since he first appeared on the musical landscape.
"I learned from touring that my fans are really open-minded, musical, intelligent people and I feel like they want to come on this new journey with me. The music still sounds like it's coming from my heart and my soul and my voice. That is always the most important thing to me. My goal on Awake was to create the music and find the best people to help me create it," commented Groban.
With a lineup of stellar producers including Marius DeVries, Guy Sigsworth, Glen Ballard and David Foster, the album contains songs in Italian, Spanish and of course English. An early stand-out, "February Song" with Josh on keyboards came to the 25-year-old Los Angeles native on a sleepless night. "I wanted to write a song that melodically and lyrically represented the craziness I felt in that moment in the dark dark space. I walked over to the piano and it just came to me in a half hour in the most magical way."
Additionally, Groban recorded a suite of two stunningly haunting songs where he harmonizes with longtime idols Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The first song, the Groban/Dave Mattthews penned "Lullaby" is sung a cappella and the follow up, the South African song, "Weeping" which Josh first heard on a trip to South Africa. "The musical tapestry of the country and their heated history, the honor of meeting Nelson Mandela and visiting schools in Soweto was totally inspiring. And, it was a dream of a lifetime for me to sing with Ladysmith in the studio. I've loved them from the moment I heard Paul Simon's Graceland."
