Counting Crows
Berkeley Hills, California based folk-rock band comprising Adam Duritz (b. c.1964; vocals), David Bryson (guitar), Mat Malley (bass), Steve Bowman (drums), Charlie Gillingham (Hammond organ, keyboards) and Dan Vickrey (lead guitar, mandolin). Early reports suggested the influence of the singer-songwriter tradition, notably Van Morrison. Other comparisons were made with the Band. While in interview Duritz was keen to point out that they were more than a retro outfit, he applauded the organic approach to musicianship which lay behind the Band and their ilk. This was reflected on their well-received debut, produced by T-Bone Burnett, which mixed traditional R&B elements with a raw, rocky delivery. The MTV rotation of Mr Jones undoubtedly augmented sales, as did crticial reaction, David Cavanagh noting in THE INDEPENDENT that: ‘Its musical warmth makes it sound like a bunch of understated anthems in which, conceivably, millions could find solace’.