May Journal

Feels like home. That is kind of a strange thing to say considering we are sitting here in Amsterdam, but I have several reasons for feeling this way. This was one of the first places we toured when I joined the band and we have spent many times here hanging out and playing shows at various venues such as the Heineken Music Hall. (This was our location last night while doing production rehearsals.) We have a special relationship with this city and the fans here. Holland has always embraced Counting Crows. Back in the states one always hears plenty about the drugs and the red light district, but that is such a small part of Amsterdam. So much beauty here, history, architecture, and the all around laid back vibe has always appealed to me. I love just walking around the streets, canals, and of course, hitting all of our favorite meals. Bryson, Immer, and myself have a simple breakfast place we frequent called Greenwoods. Just a simple small local place with old wood benches and tiny tables that serve the best eggs (always prepared slightly different depending on the cook), the most amazing soda bread with jam, and a pot of loose leaf tea. It is these type of familiar places that make you feel good so far away from home. Life is forever changing which makes it even more comforting to find a few things that have stayed exactly the same.

Good to see a few faces from our past last night. The sign of a proper organization is one that keeps a lot of the same staff. Counting Crows have had most of the same crew members for years, and we treat our boys right. Last night we had a few arrive that have not been with us for a while because of other commitments. The tech that stands out to me is Andi Watson the lighting designer. His main gig is with Radiohead. He is one of (if not the) best in the business at what he does. We are all in for a treat because Andi is a true artist.

Looking forward as always to the tour ahead, should be a good one.

--Jim