Josh Groban brought his latest album, Bridges to Cincinnati last night and had the 8000+ audience in the palm of his hand. Bridges is wonderful mix of old covers, newly written and a couple duets. The lovely Jennifer Nettles opened the night with her own set as well returned later to do a couple songs with Josh. The first duet with Jennifer was when Josh surprisingly appeared at the rear of the arena where they sang an oldie made popular by Willie Nelson, “Always on My Mind.” Jennifer once again joined him on the main stage a few songs later performing their duet song on the new Bridges album, “99 Years.”
Like the album, Josh did a wonderful job of mixing old, new, duets and even through in a few show tunes throughout the evening. His incredible, multi Grammy nominated, baritone voice made you listen, relax and forget about anything else for 90 mins. He made you laugh, think and enjoy quality music. He brought attention to our nations need to bring more awareness to mental health issues and paired that with his heart gripping song, “River.”
Josh ended his set with one his more popular songs, “You Raise Me Up,” inviting everyone to sing along which made for a beautiful arena choir and brought a few tears to some eyes. The night was finished off with two encores songs, “To Where You Are,” then sat at the piano and shared that we need to learn to build more Bridges instead of dividing with hate and delivered the powerfully old Simon & Garfunkel tune, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”
To miss this “Bridges” tour is to miss a truly engaging entertainer with an incredible voice. A voice that has you close your eyes and allow his melodious tone to soothe your heart.
SET LIST:
1. Bigger Than Us
2. You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)
3. Won’t Look Back
4. Granted
5. Pure Imagination – (Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley cover)
6. Oceano
7. The Wandering Kind
8. She’s Always A Women – (Billy Joel cover)
9. Lullaby
10. Always On My Mind – (Willie Nelson cover) sung with Jennifer Nettles
11. Bring Him Home
12. Musica del Corazon
13. River
14. Alla luca del sole
15. 99 Years – sung with Jennifer Nettles
16. You Raise Me Up – (Secret Garden cover)
ENCORE:
1. To Where You Are – (Richard Marx cover)
2. Bridge Over Troubled Water – (Simon & Garfunkel cover)
