Counting Crows and Will Varley

The group was originally comprised of acoustic duo Adam Duritz and guitarist David Bryson. They spent their early musical career playing coffee shop gigs in San Francisco. The two were interested in recording demos as a band and additional members bassist Matt Malley, keyboardist Charlie Gillingham, and drummer Steve Bowman completed the beginnings of what would be Counting Crows. The band’s name alludes to the British nursery rhyme “One For Sorrow.”

The year 1993 became a turning point for the band. First they were asked to perform at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as a last minute substitute for Van Morrison. Later that year Counting Crows was signed to Geffen Records and released their debut album “August and Everything After.” They supported the album by joining tours with Bob Dylan, Los Lobos, and the Cranberries. The album’s single “Mr. Jones” exploded on the airwaves and the video became widely requested on MTV. The album stayed on the charts for an impressive 93 weeks starting in 1994. The acknowledgement led them to tour with the Rolling Stones during that same year.

With the addition of drummer Ben Mize and guitarist Dan Vickrey, Counting Crows released their sophomore album “Recovering the Satellites” in 1995. It reached No. 1 in 1996 and songs like “A Long December” and “Have You Seen Me Lately” became hits. Counting Crows has had success in the film industry. Their song “Accidentally in Love” was featured on the animated film “Shrek 2”’ soundtrack and they received nominations for a Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe Award for their contribution.

Counting Crows cites Van Morrison, R.E.M., Mike + The Mechanics, Nirvana, Bob Dylan, and Nirvana as their musical influences.