Howdy! I am still managing to keep myself busy during our extended hiatus which is not easy. In the past (since I have always been a sideman) when work would stop, I'd simply go out with a different group. Now that I am a band member I can't really take off on an extended tour because anybody that hires me, does so with the understanding that when and if Counting Crows book a gig...I'm gone.

Recording sessions would be the next option but unfortunately they are practically non-existent in the bay. When people really want to use me and the budget is right they must not only pay me, but fly me out and put me up as well. With all of the great players living in NY, LA and Nashville this doesn't happen every week. Oh, and by the way, I am not interested in moving from the beautiful bay area!! So, due to the combination of all of these factors, this has been more than a frustrating time for me. However, as I sat behind the drums during sound check in Utah for a gig at the Sundance Film Festival, I realized once again why I have put myself in this situation....THIS BAND KICKS FREAKIN' ASS!!

We have not played a gig since December 1st, yet here I listen to song after song, as we play together like we are in the midst of an extended tour. Counting Crows is truly a great live band. I know how tough the music business is and how really great bands don't have a career half as good, or half as long as this band. All of that considered, plus the fact that we are all one step away from the Ramada Inn, the main reasons this band has lasted longer than most of its contemporaries are because of the live shoes and the songs. We make this music come alive and this band has great songs for days. We start the sound check by playing Anna Begins, Satellites and then into Children in Bloom. I am in awe, each song totally unique of one another yet each one equally stunning. This was a big factor in my decision to make the change from a successful working sideman to a band member three years ago. Although it has been awhile, I take comfort in the fact that we will eventually go back in the studio, but don't be surprised to see us doing a little touring before then.

The show that night was a blast and we were definitely on top of our game.   The stage was pretty small as Adam found out when he landed on top of Millard's pedal board.   Before receiving several stitches Adam was explaining to the Doc backstage how he had landed on the bass player's gear when I quickly corrected him that it was actually the "former" bass player's gear.

'As for the film festival itself it was indeed LA taking over Park City complete with all the schmoozing, cell phones, parties and traffic one could possibly bear.   In the midst of all the chaos we actually saw some pretty amazing movies.   My favorite part though was after the screening, when the director would talk about the movie.   Not only did I learn some interesting information but I found myself swept up in the moment with some of the creators who were overwhelmed having their work on display at this magnitude.

That's all I have for you today.   I will try and share some great music I have been playing on in Nashville with a young artist from Colorado Springs.   I have also just recorded a few songs produced by Mr. David Bryson from a bay area singer that was a lot of fun as well so, as always...stay tuned.

 

Cheers, Jim