If Josh Groban's unabashedly melodramatic musical fusion inspires grousing on both sides of the classical/pop pundit divide, the screams of the (mostly) young female fans that punctuate these 2004 performances at L.A.'s historic Greek theater better underscore the real point. This set's CD and more expansive DVD complement each other well; if anything, supplemented by a live string ensemble and crack backing band, they're a warmer, more focused showcase for the singer's talents than the studio albums that made his meteoric fame. In peak form, Groban variously delivers forceful renditions of his pop-operatic powerhouses "Canto Alla Vita" and "Anna Luce Del Sole" (the former featuring a drum solo [!] from Groban, the latter a fine guest turn by Bela Fleck on banjo), takes a surprising solo piano break on Paul Simon's "America," waxes Central Asian on Troy's "Remember" and brings the crowd to its feet with the heart-on-his-sleeve dramatics of Closer's "Never Let Go." They're all informed by the singer's insouciant, youthful enthusiasm, arguing that Groban is gifted with more than just a magnificent voice; he's a complete natural as a performer as well. The DVD also includes a tour diary narrated with typical charm by the singer, as well as bonus live performance of "Believe" from the Polar Express soundtrack. --Jerry McCulley

Josh Groban's 2002 PBS "Great Performances" special was a #1 selling DVD and the best-selling long-form music video of 2003. His second "Great Performances" special was taped at L.A.'s Greek Theater in the summer of 2004. For fans of the young sophisticated pop phenomenon who has sold more than 8 million albums, this CD+DVD package is just the latest great performance in the career of Josh Groban. DVD Extras: On the road with Josh for Summer 2004 Tour and a special performance of "Believe" from The Polar Express (it's PBS footage mixed w/ film footage).

I used to like Josh Groban, but this DVD made me turn my back on him so completely. Somewhere in his giddy success he has lost the gift of touching hearts, now he's just a platinum singing machine that's powered on by his fame and the highly-placed crowd he's associated with. Very boring.

Leather pants? Josh was wearing leather pants at this concert? Hmmm. I'll just have to look at the DVD again, only this time more closely.

I recently bought this oldie for two reasons. First, I've gotten everything else I could find that Josh has put out, and second, it's the only thing available that has his cover of Linkin Park's "My December."

Josh's voice wasn't up to par on this DVD, but that doesn't mean it was terrible. It just wasn't at its glorious best. Many of the negative reviewers were a tad melodramatic, in my opinion.

This DVD is uneven. I thought the beginning of the concert was boring, but later there were some inspired numbers, including "My December." Yes, Josh sounded nasally during part of it, but shoot, I really didn't care. His performance was passionate, powerful, and stunning. I wish that I could get a studio recording of it.

Reading the negative reviews for this DVD was kind of amusing and kind of scary. It was like the people who hated it felt as if they had been betrayed, particularly because Josh didn't look or sound like he did on his first PBS special (which I agree was wonderful).

"Live from the Greek" came out in 2004. Four years later, Josh's voice and career are far from being in the toilet, despite the dire predictions from some of the reviewers here. His singing was exquisitely beautiful on the 2007 "Noel," which was the biggest selling Christmas album ever. Sales of the "Awake" CD have done quite well, too.

Released in May 2008, the "Awake Live" DVD of a concert before 15,000 people shows Josh to have grown into a polished performer with great stage presence and great vocals. However, it also is not in the style of the first PBS special. He's not going back, people. As for his appearance, he looks just as unkempt on "Awake Live" as he did at the Greek, only with fancier footwear (boots instead of athletic shoes). Some of us find the look adorable. Hundreds of thousands of us admire his mix of classical-style pop and an edgier pop sung in his golden voice, and we can hardly wait to hear what he does next.

"Live from the Greek" is part of Josh's developmental history as a performer, musician, and vocalist. That's why I'm glad to have it. That and because his version of "My December" kicks butt.

I love this album! I got it for my sister. She really likes it as well. I don't understand why so many people trashed it. Yes, there were several non-english songs, but oh...the music and That Voice!

He just keeps getting better and better.

Wow, I'm glad I listened to the commenters over at YouTube in choosing to purchase this DVD/CD, it's quite negative hereabouts! I have no beefs with the sound quality, JG's clothing, lightsticks, or flags! I have enjoyed watching the evolution in Josh's stage presence: he was just lovely in the first concert DVD, but it was very controlled and didn't reveal much about him. I love his personality and varied tastes, and how they started to come through on this first tour. The clips I've seen from the "Awake" tour show even more of that personality, I can't wait for that DVD.
I would have given this another 1/2 star for the wonderful violinist that is Lucia Micarelli, she is a wonder to behold!
I do agree that the first few songs were a little nasally, it's really too bad Josh was unwell and just goes to show that life isn't perfect, even for him! The nasal tone does go away as the concert goes on (maybe the medicine kicked in.) All in all, highly recommended...

I LOVE this cd/dvd. The dvd is almost better than being at the actual concert!