The Himalayans (American band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Adam Duritz, Dave Janusko, Dan Jewett, Marty Jones, Chris Roldan |
| Defunct | 1991 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
The Himalayans were a rock group from the United States, active between 1989 and 1991, recognized for launching the careers of artists such as Adam Duritz of Counting Crows and Dave Janusko, an accomplished songwriter and musician.
History
Established in 1990, the band’s members consisted of Adam Duritz (vocals), Dave Janusko (guitar and bass), Dan Jewett (guitar), Marty Jones (bass), and Chris Roldan (drums). Prior to this, Duritz and Jones had collaborated on several tracks for the Sordid Humor album Light Music for Dying People. The group recorded enough material for an album, with some songs produced by David Bryson, who would later become Counting Crows’ guitarist. During this timeframe, Duritz and Bryson performed as an acoustic duo under the name Counting Crows before expanding into a full band.
Though the album was not released while the band was active, it eventually came out in 2002 through Duritz’s Tyrannosaurus Records label and was remastered in 2007. Named She Likes the Weather, the release contains original studio cuts, excerpts from radio interviews, and a live performance track. It notably features an early rendition of "Round Here", which Counting Crows later popularized on their debut album August and Everything After.
Following their split in 1991, Duritz went on to create Counting Crows alongside producer David Bryson. Meanwhile, Janusko pursued his music career further, performing with My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult under the stage name Davey Dasher. Marty Jones was the inspiration behind Counting Crows’ hit single "Mr. Jones".
In 2021, Duritz commented on The Himalayans’ collaborative songwriting approach and psychedelic rock influence, noting how his role shifted toward primary songwriter once Counting Crows began gaining commercial success.
In 2022, The Himalayans digitally remastered and released two albums plus an EP across streaming services. Russian Hill Sessions, recorded in December 1991 at Russian Hill Studios in San Francisco shortly after their last concert, showcased a new five-member lineup with Marty Jones moving to bass after replacing Janusko, who took up guitar alongside Jewett. This edition omitted earlier interview segments and improved the flow of tracks. The Dancing Dog Sessions EP, produced by Dave Bryson in March 1991 at Dancing Dog Studios in Emeryville, includes the original version of “Round Here.” Additionally, a previously unreleased four-track recording from their formative period was remastered and issued as Harrison Street 4-Track Sessions, capturing the band’s experimental spirit during rehearsals.
Members
- Adam Duritz – lead vocals
- Dave Janusko – guitar, bass
- Dan Jewett – guitar
- Marty Jones – bass
- Chris Roldan – drums