Grounded in talent, open to change

Josh Groban wanted to surprise himself and his fans with his latest album, "Awake."

"There was a time where I was creating a bit of a formula," said the 26-year-old Los Angeles native. "But for this album I worked with a lot of new people. I had so much fun making it. I got to do a lot more songwriting and a lot more producing," on "Awake," which was released in November and debuted at No. 2 on Billboard pop charts.

Groban will perform Saturday at KeyArena as part of the "Awake" tour.

"I love the idea of falling asleep on a bus and waking up in a new city every day," he said. "It's the same reason I love theater — it's a great thrill for me."

Unlike other pop acts who show up in the tabloids more than on stage, Groban says he is a private person — staying out of the limelight when he's not performing, and passing away the hours on his tour bus playing Nintendo Wii.

"I'm a kid at heart, but I like to write music, play drums, piano and sing," he said. "You have to keep it fun and not let it just become a job."

The classically trained singer has given credence to the genre of "pop-opera," mixing his velvety baritone voice with pop influences and selling millions of records.

"Awake" has a more eclectic track list, mixing Groban's trademark operatic ballads — in Italian, Spanish and English — with collaborations with artists all across the musical smorgasbord.

The most noteworthy collaborations are with Grammy award-winning South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, jazz great Herbie Hancock and British electronica chanteuse Imogen Heap.

"These incredible musicians said, 'Let's take that chance,' " he said. "It made me scared, but it's OK."

The song "Lullaby" is an a capella performance in which Groban and Ladysmith Black Mambazo produce resonating harmonies that melt together so richly they produce heat.

With Hancock, Groban funks it up with icy electronic rhythms and jazz keyboard in "Machine."

Heap's influence is more subtle on "Now or Never" and translates into a light-pop soundscape instead of her signature electro-innovations.

"Awake" indicates what's next for Groban — for future albums, he wants to stay true to his sound while being open to other influences.

"I think that it's always a dance. As I move forward, I am never going to let go of the sweeping gorgeous orchestral music that my voice is suited for," he said. "But with every album I hope to expand and experiment with different types of pop music and sound."

Taya Flores: 206-464-2220 or tflores@seattletimes.com