Part 5/15:
Eventually, he formed Himalayan, a psychedelic and experimental outfit where he served mostly as a lyricist rather than a bandleader. That role suited him, freeing him from the responsibilities of directing the group's sound. The Himalayan experience was vital in honing his songwriting and performance skills, but Duritz also found himself craving more leadership and control, which eventually led him to assemble Counting Crows.
The Birth of Counting Crows
Duritz describes how the band: originally a collection of talented musicians from different backgrounds, began recording demos that included classics like Mr. Jones and Round Here. These early recordings, often rough and unpolished, showcased the raw emotion and melodic potential that would define their sound.