Better Than Ezra - Biography
By Marcus Kagler
Better Than Ezra is one of the numerous alt-pop acts who rose to prominence in the mid-90s . Bands like the Goo Goo Dolls, Collective Soul, and Better Than Ezra were the popular fair in the U.S. until tastes shifted to nu-metal and boy/girl in the latter part of the decade. The Louisiana trio miraculously survived the fate of many of their contemporaries due, in part, to the unwavering support of their fans, known as “Ezralites”. Although their days of charting in the Top 40 are long behind them, the group continues to release albums and undertake successful tours.
Better Than Ezra actually formed as quartet in 1987 when singer/songwriter Kevin Griffin was joined by fellow Louisiana State University students Tom Drummond (bass), Joel Rundell (guitars), and Cary Bonnecaze (drums). The obtuse moniker (apparently taken from Ernest Hemingway's book A Moveable Feast, "anything was better than Ezra learning to play the bassoon,") didn’t stop the young quartet from becoming a popular local attraction in their hometown of Baton Rouge. After self releasing their cassette-only debut full length, Surprise (1990) to rave reviews, the band hit a snag when guitarist Joel Rundell died of apparent suicide. Following a short hiatus, the band regrouped as a three-piece and began working on their next album. Originally released in 1993, Deluxe (Swell Records) was an instant underground hit that spawned a major label bidding war. Better Than Ezra eventually signed with Elektra Records and Deluxe was re-released in 1995 catapulted to #1 on the American charts by the catchy pop rock single, “Good.” Despite their new found success, Bonnecaze amicably parted ways with the band and was replaced by drummer Travis McNabb. Their third full length album, Friction, Baby (1996 Elektra) followed just a year later and although the album arguably featured improved material as evinced in the singles “King of New Orleans” and “Desperately Wanting,” the album was viewed as a commercial disappoint compared to the success of its predecessor. How Does Your Garden Grow? (1998 Elektra) quickly slipped off the charts despite a generally warm critical reception.
After splitting ways with Elektra the band continued to tour and record. They released Closer (2001 Beyond Music), Before the Robots (2004 Artemis Records), and their first live album Live At The House Of Blues (2004 Sanctuary) on smaller independent labels. Better Than Ezra’s first greatest hits collection, Greatest Hits (Rhino), was released in 2005 and contains re-recorded versions of the fan favorites “Porcelain” and their popular cover of James’ “Laid.”.
