Counting Crows at Irving Plaza

Vocalist Adam Duritz and guitarist David Bryson formed Counting Crows in 1991 in San Francisco, California. They began as an acoustic duo, playing gigs in Bay Area coffeehouses. Counting Crows grew to a stable lineup by 1993, and the band's first album that year sold seven million copies. Counting Crows seventh studio album, Somewhere Under Wonderland, was released on September 2, 2014. The band consists presently of Duritz, Bryson, Dan Vickrey (lead guitar), David Immerglück (guitar, banjo, mandolin), Charlie Gillingham (accordion, keyboards), Millard Powers (bass) and Jim Bogios (drums).

Counting Crows performed a free concert at Irving Plaza tonight. Fans learned about ticket distribution locations by following tips offered through the band's social media. The concert was streamed online as well. The first thing to note was that the stage lighting was brilliantly bright and that the sound was exceptionally crisp to where every voice and instrument was heard clearly at all times. The band performed old songs and new, but did not play anticipated songs like "Mr. Jones," Counting Crows' first hit. Appropriate for New York, the performance began with "Sullivan Street," named after a street in the Greenwich Village neighborhood which Duritz now calls home. (Later, "Washington Square" also recalled the same locale.) Duritz sang soulfully, mostly with his eyes closed, as the band played a soft rocking country-styled backdrop. Next, a Romany Rye cover, "Untitled (Love Song)," a little more electrified, leaned towards southern rock. Performing 22 songs in 90 minutes, the concert showcased all of the band's finer abilities. Duritz was a thoroughly passionate singer, evoking hope and melancholy even when the message of his lyrics proved puzzling. The other musicians' warm multi-part harmonies and stinging, biting rock and roll accompaniment spun on Duritz's axis. The tapestries were woven tightly and pleasantly. Duritz's charming anecdotes and song introductions further endeared the fan base. Together, all these features made the show felt like a very special evening with a classic rock band.

Visit Counting Crows at www.countingcrows.com.