Musical Memories: Josh Groban's Journey with 'Cinematic' and Collaborating with His Father
Josh Groban faced a challenging task while working on his latest album, "Cinematic," as he carefully selected classic movie songs to include. Some iconic songs, like Elton John's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," initially seemed too intimidating for Groban to tackle, but he ultimately decided to include them. The '60s classic "Stand By Me" and "Moon River" from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" also made the cut, with the latter turning into an emotional and rewarding moment for Groban and his nearly three-decade career.
For the song "Moon River," Groban had a special idea that involved his father, a former trumpeter who had set aside his musical passion for a more stable career. Groban's dad had a tight timeline to prepare for the recording session, but he quickly dusted off his trumpet and impressed everyone with his instant musical prowess. This collaboration with his father added a personal touch to the album and became a significant highlight for Groban.
After his Broadway run in early 2024, Groban wanted to continue singing classic songs that he had loved throughout his life. The concept of "Cinematic" allowed him to do just that, but it also brought about a different kind of pressure. Groban felt the weight of meeting people's expectations for well-known songs, making the process more challenging than creating original music. Despite the stress, Groban found a new perspective on the album's significance during a moment of reflection on the world's current state.
The recording of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and the entire album took on a personal meaning for Groban as he shifted his focus from meeting expectations to expressing his emotions through the music. This change in mindset led to a transformative experience, especially during the recording of "Moon River," where his father's trumpet solo added a deeply emotional layer to the song. Groban's collaboration with his dad brought their shared musicality to the forefront and created a lasting memory for both of them.
In the studio at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, Jack Groban, Josh's father, embraced the opportunity to play the trumpet once again after years of it being stored away. With the support of his family present during the recording session, Jack impressed everyone with his musical talent and adaptability. The experience of recording with his father and witnessing his passion reignited was a profound and emotional moment for Josh Groban, making it a standout memory in his musical career.
In conclusion, the process of creating "Cinematic" was a journey of personal and musical discovery for Josh Groban. Through collaborations with his father and reimagining classic songs, Groban found a new perspective on the power of music to connect generations and express emotions. The album became a tribute to iconic movie songs and a testament to the enduring bond between father and son in the realm of music.