Counting Crows performed to a sold-out crowd in Portland, ME, as the sun set over the water and transitioned into night.
The Thompson’s Point show was part of Counting Crows‘ headlining dates around New England during Santana’s break from the Oneness Tour which has been rolling through the states since June 1st. With Santana on a break from July 9th to July 16th, Counting Crows are taking center stage.
Jimmy and Immy kicked off the night, setting the tone for concertgoers. The duo comprises James Maddock, a British-born singer-songwriter now living in NYC, and David Immergluck of Counting Crows. Maddock has been active in the music scene since the ’80s and boasts a vast resume of collaborations and projects. His style evokes comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, not as a mimicry but in the soulful and earnest quality of his music.
Maddock and Immergluck took to the stage for a 45-minute set, armed with just an acoustic guitar and mandolin. Their unique blend of talents and backgrounds created a captivating and dynamic musical experience. Maddock combines rich, melodic vocals with deeply introspective lyrics, while Immergluck enhances the sound with his instrumental prowess. Together, they crafted a performance that set the perfect tone for an unforgettable night of music.
Their chemistry on stage was palpable, each artist complementing the other’s strengths while maintaining their individual artistry. Maddock’s storytelling through song paired seamlessly with Immergluck’s instrumental versatility, creating a performance that was both intimate and expansive. The duo had the crowd captivated as they played songs like “Hollow Love” and “When the Sun’s Out.”
This is not the first time Immergluck has joined Maddock on stage. The duo played and recorded a live show back in 2013 at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC.
As the bright blue sky transitioned to hues of pinks, yellows, and oranges, the opening notes of “Sullivan Street” off August and Everything After on the piano echoed across the water and through the town of Portland, ME. The beauty of Counting Crows is that every show is different. No matter how many times you have seen them or what you anticipate the songs will sound like, it’s always going to be a unique, one-time performance for the show you attend.Frontman Adam Duritz’s performance was like reconnecting with an old friend after years apart, with everything falling into place as if no time had passed. His writing and delivery are very much those of a storyteller, with songs filled with poetic, melodic narratives from his past experiences. The live delivery enhances those experiences, offering more than just a verbatim rendition of the recorded album. For instance, “Mr. Jones” on the album is a high-energy, jump-around song, but live, it becomes a conversational piece with Duritz sitting on the stage, singing as if talking to friends—a sold-out venue of 6,000 friends, but still, the delivery was something beautiful to watch and take in.
Duritz paused between “Butterfly in Reverse” and “Omaha” to reflect on his time spent in Maine when he was younger, recalling trips to Ogunquit with his parents. He spoke about a restaurant, Barnacle Billy’s, that he used to love eating at with his family but hasn’t been able to return to because the tour bus can’t fit there. He spoke about other childhood memories in Maine and how his family made the trek up to Portland to see the show, before transitioning to Charlie Gillingham playing the opening notes of “Omaha” on the accordion.
The acoustic set of the night kicked off with “Washington Square.” The simplicity of the piano and acoustic guitar matched with Duritz’s powerful voice, commanded the audience as they took in the beauty of the stripped-down portion of the set. Duritz spoke about how the songs are symbols of all the feelings and memories he has experienced. “Angels of the Silences” was next in the acoustic set and was one of the first songs that Counting Crows reimagined and completely rewrote to be different from the record. The idea stemmed from when they appeared on VH1’s Storytellers, and it’s now something they have truly mastered since experimenting with that first song.
As the night wore on, Counting Crows covered “Friend of the Devil” by The Grateful Dead and “Big Yellow Taxi,” originally written by Joni Mitchell but also on their 2002 album Hard Candy alongside Vanessa Carlton. They also did a rendition of “The One” by Taylor Swift.
One of the biggest highlights of seeing them live is their seamless song transitions, with their ability to take you from a spoken-word style to an intense explosion of emotion and music. They know how to build and build on the intensity so that the crowd truly feels the words and music. “Round Here” was a perfect example of that. “Rain King” seamlessly transitioned into “Oh Susanna” and back again, showcasing their masterful control of dynamics and storytelling, only to be topped by everyone in the crowd singing along with them as though it had always been a part of the song.
As the night drew to a close, fans sang their hearts out to “A Long December,” “Hanging Around,” and to end the night, “Holiday in Spain,” with the words changed to “Holiday in Maine.” Duritz said he had never rewritten a song like that before. Counting Crows thanked the crowd for coming out, reflected on how nice the venue was, and wished they could have stayed for more days, hoping to make it happen next time.
Whether you are seeing Counting Crows for the first time or it’s your 20th time, you are in for a brand-new experience. They don’t phone it in; it’s always going to be different and spectacular. They are a must-see band, and their over thirty years in the industry are a testament to the incredible powerhouse of a band that they are.
It’s clear that fans are in for many classics, as well as a chance to hear material from their newest project, Butter Miracle (Suite One). This blend of beloved hits and fresh tracks promises to make each show a memorable and dynamic experience.
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