biography

"...for there is an Upstart Crow, beautified with our feathers, that with his Tygers hart wrapt in a Players hyde, supposes he is as well able to bombast

out a blanke verse as the best of you: and being an absolute Johannes fac totum, is in his owne conceit the onely Shake-scene in a countrey."

-Robert Greene from 'Groats-worth of Wit bought with a Million of Repentance'

==History==

Upstart Crow formed in October 1996 in San Jose, CA.

Upon graduating from Leigh High School, Happy Hymen bassist and vocalist Andy Cox and Brian Brown (respectively) were college-bound, leaving remaining members Jordan Dunn, Patrick O'Connor, and Samuel Fischer without a full line-up. After hearing Richard Edwards' band (with David Cohen and Christopher Sponseller), 5 Cent Butter, play a friend's birthday party, the trio decided to bring him in for an audition. It was during these initial jam sessions that the group penned 'Nine Iron' and 'Chat Mort'. With Richard officially on board, the group turned to a mutual friend and bass player, Joshua Katz, to fill in the bottom end.

Billed as 'Hotdog Tree', the band played their first show at 'The House' in Palo Alto, CA in mid-December 1996. The band continued playing community centers and parties in the San Jose area under the names 'Hotdog Tree' and 'Reservoir Tip'.

In early 1997, Richard left his British Literature class with an idea for a new band name: Upstart Crow. It was also around this time that Sam informed the other members that he had been working with his younger brother Isaac (inspiration for the song The Chronicles of Isaac) who was learning the bass guitar, and that he felt Isaac would be a better fit. Having reluctantly received approval from the group, Sam made the switch.

In April 1997, Upstart Crow booked studio time at Final Mix Studios in Campbell, CA. With producer/engineer Steve Glaze, the Crow tracked, mixed, and mastered their first album in sixteen hours.

Financed by A.S. Edwards, the Crow contracted DiscMakers in Fremont, CA to print their debut album, 'The Greatest Hits (1971-1979)'.

After releasing 'TGH 71-79' on their own label, MILF Records, the Crow began playing more shows, including what would become monthly gigs at The Cactus Club in downtown San Jose. The song 'Nine Iron' was featured several times on 98.5 FM - KOME's Local Lounge with No Name.

In September 1997, the Crow went back to Final Mix Studios to record their sophomore album with producer/engineer Don "Green" Budd. This time the sessions were more intense and spread out over a span on 6 months. An early mix of a new song, 'The One', found its way into the hands of several record executives, but with Pat's impending departure, a record deal never materialized.

'Upstart Crow' was completed in April 1998. Financed by G. Fischer, the Crow once again headed to DiscMakers to print their album, and it was released in early June 1998.

Upon graduating from Leigh High School in 1998, Pat headed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland to begin his training as an F-18 pilot for the Navy. His departure proved to be a fatal blow to the group, who eventually disbanded and went on to form Weekend Grass, Bass Line Vitals, and eventually, Miznoma.

==Members==

* Jordan Dunn (b. 1981) -- Guitar
* Richard J Edwards (b. 1980) -- Guitar, Vocals
* Isaac Fischer (b. 1981) -- Bass Guitar
* Samuel Fischer (b. 1979) -- Guitar, Vocals
* Patrick O'Connor (b. 1980) -- Drumkit

==Former Members==

* Joshua Katz (b. 1980) -- Bass Guitar

==Interesting Facts==

* The Crow's first Cactus Club show was on June 28, 1997, the same night Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ears.
* The term 'Upstart Crow' comes from Robert Greene's pamphlet, ''Greene's Groats-Worth of Wit''.
* The Crow did play one show without drummer Pat O'Connor. Leigh High School alumnus, Matt Overby, filled in.
* The Crow's last live performance (with Pat) was June 26, 1998 at Belwood Pool in Los Gatos, CA,.
* There are rumors of a REUNION SHOW, which would likely take place in December 2009.

==Influences==

* Weezer
* The Refreshments (now Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers)
* Sublime
* Pearl Jam
* Tom Petty
* Dave Matthews Band
* TOOL
* Spinal Tap
* Phish
* Rancid
* Leigh High School Marching Band
* Foghat
* Nirvana
* Superdrag

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