The Official Jars of Clay Email News
2/15/96
web site: http://www.jarsofclay.com
CONTENTS:
*Jars of Hymns?
*Like a Child sample
*Flood video on MTV!
*CD-Rom Update
*New WWW Home Page!
*Frail auction
*AOL secular folder
*Dove Awards, Secular Radio and the MWS Tour
*Concert Review #1: Snellville, GA 1/21/96
*Concert Review #2: Biloxi, MS Opening Night 2/7/96
*Concert Review #3: Lakeland, FL 2/9/96
*Prayer Requests
*Subscribers Bands
*Jars on secular radio
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*Jars of Hymns?
From: gabriella@prowler.spk.wa.us (Gabriella)
To: Earthpots@aol.com
While doing a Bible study, I found this hymn in a commentary. It's a hymn that was listed under 2 Cor. 4:7!!
I thought you guys might appreciate reading it.
"Earthen vessels, marred, unsightly,
Bearing Wealth no thought can know,
Heav'nly Treasure, gleaming brightly--
Christ revealed in saints below
Vessels, broken, frail, yet bearing,
Through the hungry ages on,
Riches giv'n with hand unsparing
God's great Gift, His precious Son!
O to be emptier, lowlier,
Mean, unnoticed, and unknown
And to God a vessel holier,
Filled with Christ and Christ alone!
Naught of earth to cloud the Glory
Naught of self toe light to dim!
Telling forth Christ's wonderous story,
Broken, empty--filled with Him!"
---Tr. Frances Bevan
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*Like a Child sample:
Here's what the little girl says in "Like a Child", for those who have been wondering:
"I've got...Joy like a fountain..." "Be kind one to others"
"Unto Jesus Christ Your Son"
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*Flood video on MTV!
Many of you received the message that the "Flood" video would be aired on MTV. It was, but unfortunately we had the wrong date so not all of you saw it. It was on Sunday night at 12:40 pm EST on 120 minutes. I must be clear in telling you all that the purpose of informing you of the video coming on was not necessarily to have you or anyone sit and watch MTV for two hours....it was to express excitement over the tremendous airplay Jars are getting, this and Johnny Q. Public are two of the only Christian videos played on MTV in a long, long time! (Does Stryper come to mind?) I will let you all know when it is on again, as many of you missed it and wanted to tape it. It is also downloadable from the web site. Another encouraging thing was seeing the Jars ad in CMJ and Spin magazines, and then finding out that the latest CMJ has a great review of the Jars disc and Flood is on the cd enclosed with the magazine!
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*CD-Rom Update:
Hopefully you've all found the CD-Rom by now. For those who haven't, please tell your retailers to call 615-373-3950 and request it! It's been out for a while and if they don't order it soon they probably won't at all. The retail price is a mere $9.98. Please note: The CD-Rom was planned a long time ago within the constraints of a very tight budget, and the plan only included making a version for IBM's. All Mac users, please forgive them. If you are a Mac user and would like a very full explanation of why it's not for Mac's too, please email me, I have a great explanation from the creator of the cd.
Here is a review of the cd from one of our subscribers:
From: akidder@sun1.iusb.edu (The ACKman cometh...)
To: Earthpots@aol.com
My review of the Jars of Clay CD-ROM:
The opening credits were very attractive and I was expecting quite a great ride...and I was not disappointed! The interface is very interesting, and quite stylish. The interim screens with selections are very well presented, and the musical selections are pretty good.
The sound volume is really loud once you get into the program, and not set to your system volume. It seems to get kicked up into maximum volume. Which for some isn't too bad, and usually I would agree. But it might damage your speakers if you have small, poor quality ones like mine. :)
Other than that, the program is great...the pictures are spectacular, the screensaver is excellent, and the "bonus" section with all the .gifs in it is truly worth the price. Also of special note, is the cuts from the debut album "Frail". Unfortunately, there aren't any of the cuts from "Frail" that didn't make it onto the self-titled project. Minor nuisance...
Overall, this is a "Must see" for any Jars of Clay fan! Go and run, don't walk, to your local store and demand this CDROM! You may have to order it, but it's well worth the wait. :)
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*New WWW site:
It's here folks! The new Jars web site has unlimited file space and is very easy to get to. The only reason for not being able to get there is because of other traffic to the site.
The new URL is: http://www.jarsofclay.com Pretty easy to remember huh? ;)
NEW at the site:
-Merchandise order forms! (within the next week)
-Guitar chords for most of the songs
-Backlogs of all messages from the America Online Jars folder
-New pictures (including some from the cd-rom)
-Interviews with the Jars
-Updated Tour Dates
-Link to Michael Wilson's site (Mike made the CD-Rom)
URL: http://www.telalink.net/~genx119/
-Still to come: more video and audio samples
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*Frail auction:
The auction of two Frail cd's is now officially closed. Sorry to those of you who couldn't bid high enough or didn't know about it, but there will probably be more sometime in the future when more are uncovered. Suffice it to say that if you have a copy, they're worth an average of $200. Thanks to the people who won the auction, for supporting this ministry and keeping us going strong into the next year!
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*AOL Secular Folder:
Just a note to inform everyone that we have started a Jars folder (for ministry purposes) in the secular music section of AOL. Go to keyword MMC, then click on rock/pop, then on general rock. The folder had 68 messages or so by the second day of existence- thank you to all those who have participated and please post often so they don't delete the folder. The other two Jars folders remain in the new Christian music section (keyword CMUS, click on Msg Boards: alternative rock and pop rock.)
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*Dove Awards, Secular Radio and the MWS Tour:
THANK YOU GMA MEMBERS!! Dove Award nominations were announced yesterday, and Jars of Clay came away with 5 nominations (more than DC Talk!). We may yet break the theory that only the "big companies' " artists can win awards. Jars were nominated in the following categories:
Group of the Year
New Artist of the Year (which means they'll be performing at the Dove's) Rock Recorded Song of the Year (for "Flood")
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
Short Form Music Video
Now it's up to GMA's members one more time - the final vote will occur over the next month or so, and the winners announced, of course, at the ceremonies. Again, thanks so much for your support!
News from the mainstream continues to be exciting. Stations from New York, NY to Honolulu continue to add the song. They had the highest debut last week on Alternative, Adult Alternative, and Modern Rock charts. They're charting as many as 36 spins per week, per station (that's over 5 times per day for those who aren't math wizards!). If they're being played where you can hear them - call the station! These charting services keep track of the number of requests, and radio stations use that to determine how much airplay they allow. They're already being reported as a top request in many markets!
The tour with Michael W. Smith continues to go well. The guys have been happy that they've been allowed to get out and meet people after most of the shows. There was actually some talk (by tour management officials) of not letting anyone do meet & greets, simply because there are usually between 8000-12,000 people at these shows. If you remember to pray for the guys, please pray specifically that Dan's voice remains strong. Also, it is easy to get tired, and then sick while touring, so they all could use prayer in the direction of strength. Most importantly, pray that they remain focused spiritually.
Thanks friends.
Chad
Essential/Brentwood
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Concert Review #1: 1/21/96 Westminster Presbyterian, Snellville, GA
From: Ssqtch
To: Earthpots
I wanted to fill everyone in on the Atlanta end of JOC. First, JOC has crossed over here. About two weeks ago 99X, the alternative/new music station, began playing Flood. I called acting like I had no idea who JOC was. I found out, to qoute the DJ, "Jars of Clay is a Christian Rock band. I know that is an oxymoron. Our station manager here at 99X, who by the way broke Live three years ago, feels they are the top band on the horizon to break in huge. We are getting request calls all day long". P.T.L.! :)
Second, I wanted to give a review of the JOC concert here on 1/21/96. The concert had been set up several months before the Michael W. Smith tour. Management wanted to break off the date but First Presbeterian of Snellville refused (thank goodness). It seems their youth pastor saw JOC a long time ago and really wanted them to play. The Waiting, a local band who recently expanded their base to a national following, opened and did a great job. Only 650 tickets were sold to the show and it had been a sellout for months. I had seen JOC in December in Marietta to a crowd of well over 1200 so I was looking foward to seeing them in a close setting. I sponsor the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the Milton High School, where I coach, so I took a huge van full of students to see the show. We arrived four hours before show time because it was general admission seating. There were four girls already there waiting. As time passed the crowd grew and it reminded me of a U2 concert I saw in 1983 because nobody new anybody else but we all acted like we had been friends for life. We were pumped! The doors opened and we got the fourth row (the first three were reserved). By the time The Waiting finished we were warmed up for JOC! They came out and did the exact same set that has been reported in this letter before except they added Little Drummer Boy. People body surfed, danced like crazy, and generally raised....well...Heaven? I could tell JOC was more relaxed than at earlier shows I had seen. The new drummer and bassest were so smooth that any neophite fan would think they were original members. I got the sense that every one knew this was the last of the small, intimate concerts for JOC. While sad, I am glad they are headed toward well deserved success. The only disapointment was JOC did not play Worlds Apart, my favorite song. I wonder why they avoid this song live. Maybe when I see them open for M.W.Smith or maybe at AtlantaFest they will start playing it live!
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*Concert Review #2: Biloxi, MS Opening Night 2/7/96
96-02-07 03:35:35 EST
From: Oath100@aol.com
I got to see Jars open for Micheal W. Smith tonight. It was the first concert on the whole tour (it was in Biloxi MS). It was the first time I had ever seen them and loved it. I went to the thing just to see them. The only thing that held them back was that everything was live so there wasn't the classical touch they have on their cd's. That and they didn't sing "Love song for a Savior". I'm still bitter about that one. I did get to hear the infamous "Fade to grey" song. It was cool. I hope they put it on their next album. Three crosses were better than expected. If you're wondering about Smitty don't. He was just totally cool. He has more toys on this tour than the Joker had in Batman.
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*Concert Review #3: Lakeland, FL 2/9/96
Date: 96-02-10 10:37:41 EST
From: MaDeJe@aol.com
Just got back from the lakeland concert with jars, 3 crosses and smitty!
What can you say about this concert!!!!! it was totally awesome. 3 crosses got things started at 7:30 and sang about four songs. they are really good. look for them to go places. almost immediately jars came out! the crowd went nuts...(sold out audience, by the way. there was hardly breathing room!) they sang love song for a savior at this one (sorry to those who missed that before) and when they finished with FLOOD, I thought the top of the auditorium was going to come off. If that wasn't enough, Smitty gave the concert of our lives. How does this man continue to out-do himself? For anyone wondering about buying a ticket on this tour, the answer is DO IT!
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*Prayer Requests:
[There are many this time, I hope I didn't leave anyone out! -Ed.]
From: Bridgette_Daniels@mail.okbu.edu (Bridgette Daniels)
To: Earthpots@aol.com
I would like to put in a prayer request for my father. He became a Christian in May of 1995 and satan has been attacking him very hard ever since. In a matter of six months my father lost his Grandmother, Father, and Mother. He recieved an job promotion that added stress to both home life and work life, adopted a 13 year old boy with an abuse filled past, watched my mother in pain with a Multiple Sclerocis attack and sent me to college. It is hard enough dealing with these things one at a time when your a strong christian but to do them all at once when your a baby christian is another. Please pray for strength. Oh, I forgot that he is trying to quit the habit of 20 some odd years of chewing tobacco.
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First of all I want to thank you guys for your prayers for my step dad ( Max ). The update is, he had surgery last Fri. ( 1/19/96 ) and they removed a 3rd of his lung, the spot was cancer. While inside they found some scar tissue on part of a rib that they removed. I spoke to my mom on Sat. she said that he was recovering nicely.
I spoke to her again last night, there is a hole in his lung that is leaking. He is hooked up to a machine which will show when the hole is completely healed. I thought they would have to go in and sew it up, but it will heal by it self. The only problem is that Max has drank alcohol a good part of his life and his body is really healing slow because of it. I guess the doctors are keeping him in the hospital for 30 days to detox his system from the alcohol.
Please pray that the Lord will touch him and allow Max to see God moving. I know they both ( parents ) need to know Christ, so continue to pray for that.
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Friends,
My twelve year old sister has Leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant to survive, but has no blood-related siblings. Her name is Karen, and she is 1/2 Korean and 1/2 North American (European descendants). Finding out whether or not one is an appropriate donor requires only a blood test. All expenses for the donor will of course be paid. If you are or know anyone who is of like origin, please email me as soon as possible at . I would also appreciate your sharing this message with the people you know. Karen's doctors are searching through the registered donor list, and haven't had much luck. Our best bet is to find someone who is not yet registered as a donor. I welcome any suggestions you have, and appreciate your concern.
Thank you,
Mike
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From: EIizaKay
To: Earthpots
I also have a prayer request. My friend's family is having an adoption, and they met this couple and the wife is pregent (sp?) and they have to decide if they want to keep the baby. We are just praying that Kathleen and Gary will make the right choice about adoption and maybe abortion, and all that kind of stuff. K? Thanks again.
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During Christmas my brothers fiancee was in a car accident and died. If you would hold him and her family up in prayers. But also through it all my brother accepted the Lord and all he talks about now is seeing her in heaven. Praise God!!! I have been praying for his salvation for years. It is all in Gods timing. It is sad to know that is what it took, but God is the only one who knows the answers to WHY? And thats when we have to trust in Him. Please keep us in your prayers. GOD BLESS, EJ SLOVAK
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I'd like to ask for prayer for my daughter Amanda (also a subscriber) who has just been diagnosed with mercury poisoning which causes alot of bizarre problems like passing out, horrible headaches, joint pains etc - it is supposed to take 3-5 months for her to feel better and she has to cope with both college and work during this time. Please pray for a rapid healing.
Thanks,
Linda Lemons
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From: mstu071@midway.dans.com (Kim Miller)
To:Earthpots@aol.com
This concerns my roommate (whom I told Andy about when I first emailed -- as far as I know, she still isn't saved.), and also my suitemate. My roommate's dad (who was saved) has been battling leukemia for 2 years, he passed away two Saturdays ago, and my suitemate's dad unexpectedly had a heart attack and died the week before that. Both girls are now back at school. Please pray for them and thier families.
Kim Miller
Midway, Ky.
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From: sgorin@scrtc.blue.net (Michelle Gorin)
To: earthpots@aol.com
I'd like to ask all of you if you'd please be praying for my family as my grandfather passed away earlier this month (suddenly). My mom and grandmother are hurting especially right now; my grandma had just had surgery and isn't recovering well, and my mom just had surgery. I've been trying to balance grieving with keeping them strong, and relying totally on God's strength.
The next week after that a friend of mine was killed in a car wreck, leaving behind a wife and four children, and my best friend's grandmother passed away. Several of my friends are going through times of discouragement, and several of my friends have backslidden and their lives are a disaster. Please pray for all of them, and for me as I try to stay strong (Phil 4:13) and continually be a Christian witness. Thank you!! To all of you: the Lord's strength is incredible, and when you're going through a tough time, remember to rely on Him. He's the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort (2 Cor 1:3). Believe me, I've been learning that! Thanks for praying; I'm praying for all of you, too...
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*Subscribers' Bands:
There are a number of subscribers who have bands that they are trying to promote. If you send in a cd or demo tape to us, we'll give a brief description of your band here in the newsletter and pass it on to industry people if we deem it appropriate. It is assumed you are all Christian bands so we will just put a brief description of the music and the addresses to contact.
#TinderBox#
Four vocalists/instrumentalists playing modern rock
For bookings, contact: Borgie, Bluffton College Box 24, Bluffton, Ohio 45817 419-358-3738 or email: bcborbka@bluffton.edu
#Torman Maxt# CD on Mars Hill Records: "Just talking about the universe...so far" Solid Progressive Rock like Dream Theater or Galactic Cowboys. Contact TMassaro@aol.com for more info.
#Elijah's Fire# Demo tape "Preacher Boy" available from Bob Lucido: 76360.2402@compuserve.com Melodic rock/pop
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*Jars on secular radio:
[written by an industry insider and posted on internet]: Ok. Here's the story.
Many of you have been noticing JoC on "secular" (I prefer "mainstream") radio - here's why.
#1 - Essential Record Group (JoC's label) has gotten a distribution/licensing deal with Silvertone records. Silvertone was the original label of the Stone Roses - they're pretty big. [The largest distributor of independent records in the world -Ed.]
#2 - Silvertone is PUSHING this record like there's no tomorrow, and not just to college/modern rock radio either. In JoC's acoustic-oriented rock sound they see a new "multi-format" sensation - similar to Hootie and the Blowfish or, to a lesser extent, Natalie Merchant.
#3 - Item: this snippet from this week's schedule of the annual Gavin Seminar convention (a big brouhaha of radio bigwigs) taking place in Atlanta. "Silvertone recording artists Jars of Clay / ... / This is your chance to see one the hottest rising multi-format bands. A3 [adult album alternative], Alternative, and Top 40 are invited to partake."
#4 - Aside from what the record company is doing, radio station program directors are latching on like crazy to this record because THEY want a big sensation a la Hootie etc. and they see that in JoC - it draws in the target demographic (and with it advertiser dollars) and helps the growth of whatever their format may be. No matter what your opinion of Hootie, no one can deny that they are great for the radio industry.
Ok, *personally*, I'd rather it be Starflyer or MxPx, but this is going to be fun to watch. (And for crying out loud :) don't call radio stations to tell 'em how great it is that they're playing a "Christian band" - it would be much better if you were to call just to say how much you liked it. The rest will take care of itself.)
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