"At some point during the recording of their first album, each band member considered leaving, as reflected in its melancholic tunes: The musical narrative of Adam Duritz's life"
In a recent interview, Adam Duritz, the frontman and band leader of Counting Crows, shared insights into his musical influences that have shaped his career.
Duritz's earliest musical memories are rooted in classic rock and pop, with his parents' Beatles albums and a live performance of The Jackson 5 being pivotal experiences. These early encounters ignited a passion for music within him, laying the foundation for his future endeavours.
As a youngster, Duritz found himself drawn to jazz, a genre that would later influence some of his Counting Crows' songs. One such album that left a lasting impression was Miles Davis' Kind of Blue, which he considers a significant influence in his musical journey.
Duritz's approach to music is flexible and evolving, emphasizing the importance of live improvisation and reinterpretation of songs to capture the moment. This creative mindset reflects a broader musical influence beyond specific artists, highlighting his openness to different sounds and styles.
Fast forward to the present, and Duritz's musical preferences have expanded to include contemporary artists. His favourite band at the moment is Gang Of Youths, an Australian band, while he considers Aretha Franklin's version of Respect as the best and Richard Thompson as a guitar hero, with a unique style as both an acoustic and electric artist.
Counting Crows' latest album, Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!, demonstrates their continued ability to create soulful and stirring anthems. Interestingly, Gang Of Youths had a significant impact on this record, motivating Duritz to rewrite some of the lyrics.
When it comes to his personal playlist, A Long December is the song that Duritz never grows tired of playing. On Saturday nights, he enjoys dancing to Hot In Here by Nelly.
Duritz also revealed some lesser-known preferences, such as citing We Do Not Belong Together from the Stephen Sondheim musical Sunday In The Park With George as a song that makes him cry.
Intriguingly, Duritz identifies himself as a "McCartney guy" rather than a Lennon guy. When asked about his funeral song, he mentioned that he might choose A Long December, but he does not want it to be covered by someone else.
Currently, Counting Crows are on tour in the US, with plans to arrive in Europe next month. If you're a fan of Duritz's music or are curious to discover his unique blend of classic and contemporary influences, be sure not to miss their performances.
[1] The Beatles and The Jackson 5 as early influences on Adam Duritz [2] Jazz music and Miles Davis' Kind of Blue as influences on Adam Duritz [3] Adam Duritz's flexible and evolving approach to music
[4] Gang Of Youths as a contemporary influence on Counting Crows' latest album
[5] Adam Duritz's personal playlist, featuring Counting Crows' 'A Long December'
[6] Nelly's 'Hot In Here' as a favorite Saturday night dance song for Adam Duritz
[7] Stephen Sondheim's 'We Do Not Belong Together' and Adam Duritz's selection of 'A Long December' as songs that move him emotionally
