Who loves you? That's right, I do. Even though as you know all is quiet in Counting Crows land these days, I continue to write journals (thanks to friendly "reminders" from our favorite webmistress Marsha).
Besides a new record, we are in need of a new bass player as well. We are going to take our time and check out several people before making a decision. When you play in a band you end up in each others mugs for weeks at a time, so being a cool person is just as important as how one plays.

One of my first choices was Jerry Flowers, the big bald headed boy playing with us at the Oscars. Jerry and I met while playing for the Dixie Chicks on the Fly tour. We became very close friends and he is an amazing musician and a very talented singer/songwriter. After the tour we put a band together called Pinch and started recording songs.
At one point I had even decided to relocate to Nashville and pursue the band full time. However, my girl Sheryl Crow started up again and that
was that.

For the show in Vegas you will see yet another face behind the bass, this will be my buddy Millard Powers. Millard and I played with Ben Folds on the Rockin the Suburbs tour. Just like Jerry, Millard is a monster player and a very accomplished singer/songwriter as well. I have been extremely fortunate to have spent time with both of these guys and let me say that you could scour the earth and be hard pressed to find two more talented musicians. Needless to say, I like them both a lot!!

I thought it would be fun to include a couple of sample songs from both artists and let all of you check them out. I am playing drums on the Pinch stuff but Millard plays drums on his songs. Besides singing their asses off, both of these guys know their way around a lot of instruments too, it's quite impressive. Head to the audio page to have a listen! Or.......

All I Want (PINCH)
Jerry Deacon (Millard Powers)

Millard and I just returned home from backing up Amy Grant and Vince Gill at a benefit show for War Veterans in Aspen Colorado. I am very lucky to find myself time and time again (no pun intended) playing shows that raise money for very worthy causes such as, the Robin Hood Foundation show CC played recently that raised 750,000 for poverty programs in NY, and the War Veterans show. We are in such debt to our soldiers who have given their lives and limbs for this country. I was very inspired hanging out, eating dinner, and even skiing with the courageous individuals from this event. The majority of them are in wheelchairs, yet they have the most positive attitudes and outlooks on life I have ever been around. These people have inspired me to help keep Counting Crows playing functions that raise money where it is needed. As you can see (from the picture above) I was even playing locally with Chuck Prophet last month at the Great American Music Hall for a Tsunami benefit.

I hope to see some of you at the upcoming benefit in Las Vegas. Please be patient with the band, everyone needs time off and although it will take some time, we will make another record and play shows all over the world once again.... we promise!!

Cheers, Jim.