The Official Jars of Clay Email News
CONTENTS:
*Introduction
*The Ultimate Online Game
*Jars Pen Pals
*Web Site Update
*Jars in Russia
*Sad But True
*Prayer Requests
*Essential Answers
*Concert Review: 10/3/95 Taylor University, IN
*Concert Review: 10/12/95 Bothell, WA
*CCM Review: Drummer Boy EP
*Interview: WFAZ-FM 98.3 North Carolina: 7/1/95
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*Introduction
As I write, Jars are returning from their west coast tour with PFR. The shows went very well and they'd love to hit the cities out there again. Many subscribers finally got to see the shows, and we acquired many new subscribers from the flyers. We now have somewhere over 600 subscribers for those counting.
A few notes:
-- Jars have gone acoustic! They have always done occasional acoustic shows, but apparently many of the west coast concert venues had a more relaxed feel for acoustic shows. Set lists were the same as for electric but more emphasis was on vocals and less on electronics and use of the DAT machine. Responses to this change were quite good so it looks as though half of their shows may be this way. (It may be more difficult to stage dive/body surf with this format) :)
-- Just to clarify: There are *two* cd's forthcoming from Jars: one is the Christmas Drummer Boy EP with four tracks: Drummer Boy, Drummer Boy (grinch mix), He (acoustic re-vamped version) and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. This cd will be released within a week or two and copies are limited so reserve one soon! The second release will be the cd-rom in January and will include many of the demo songs on audio as well as the Flood video and many other surprises. I won't spoil any more!
-- Many have requested sheet music or guitar tabs. Unfortunately, I don't have access to these, BUT Brentwood is working on plans for a possible release of a song book of the whole album. This *is* tentative and you will hear from me as soon as anything is definite.
-- The first Jars of Clay survey will come to your emailbox within a week or two, and we hope to hear from you. It is strictly for fun and interest and is not part of a ministry, so if you have better things to do with your time then we understand! :) The results will be printed in the next newsletter.
--The Jars of Clay album was released to all major secular stores around the country last week. This is a time we need to pray the most for this ministry, as people who have never been exposed to this music hear it. Many record stores, especially Tower, have been very supportive and include it in the secular sections of their stores. Praise God! The actual cd/artwork is slightly different, it is glossy instead of the recycled look and contains the Silvertone distribution symbol on the back.
-- Many have asked if there is a FAQ (frequently asked questions) for Earthen Vessels somewhere. There is one located at the www site, but it has been a long time since I've sent it out, so it will probably be updated and sent out in a few weeks.
--Regarding Tour Dates: Thank you all for your patience in the frequent tour date mailings lately. It was essential to get this information out so some people on the list could see them play live. The Jars w/ Michael W. Smith dates will come to your mailbox very soon! Also, there was a second show added to the Atlanta concert 11/3 at 10 pm because the tickets sold so quickly. Probably because a rather large group of people are going to the show from Nashville, as that is the closest they'll be playing. By the way, your editor is living in Nashville for the next month or so, and will be at the Atlanta show and the Wilmore, KY show if anyone would like to speak with me about anything.
--Finally, as noted in the last issue, Like a Child has been released for radio. Please remember to call your nearest Christian station and request it. It debuted at #22 on the charts and is now at #13 (2nd week). Please keep requesting it! In a few months, we can start calling secular stations for requests! :) Now, on with the newsletter....
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*The Ultimate Online Game:
[For those of you who don't know, our cyber-friend Chris has been providing frequent games in the AOL Jars folder. We've decided to let the whole list of you guys in on it, so we have provided an example below.]
The Contest:
The best creative literary work, which must include all the song titles off the Jars of Clay CD *and* be under 200 words, will win.....
The Prize: An October CCM with Jars on the cover - *autographed* AND a congratulatory letter from all the guys in the band!
2nd Prize: An autographed "Boy on a String" sticker!
The two winners will have their works published in the next issue of Earthen Vessels.
DON'T DELAY! ENTER NOW TO WIN!! :) (sorry, couldn't resist)
Judging criteria: Creativity, Originality and Clarity. *Extra points will be awarded for using the song titles in the order they appear on the cd.* Send all entries to chrism333@aol.com. Deadline: 11/16/95. Thanks for playing!
Here's an example of Chris' own literary work:
"How to Sing Properly" by ChrisM333@aol.com:
First, you must clear all the LIQUID stuff that we call phlegm out of the vocal chords. Next, as you sing, making sure the tones are not SINKING, maintain a straight, even pitch. Remember that when you sing a LOVE SONG FOR A SAVIOR, you must be very self-controlled and sincere through the expressions on your face and posture. Never sing LIKE A CHILD, but always try to utilize the full potential of your voice. When creativity is a problem, say to yourself, "There's ART IN ME, and by golly, people like me!!" Always have a good accompianist. HE must know your flexibility and style well. Remember, you're not a BOY ON A STRING, you're a singer, and you don't just entertain, you communicate a message to your audience. When that message is powerful and emotional, try to control the FLOOD of tears which often comes. You must be able to relate well with your audience; you don't want them to feel WORLDS APART, so always have a good stage presence. And for those who are BLIND in the audience, be creative with what you're saying between tunes and you're sure to be a great success!
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*Jars Pen Pals?
I thought I would offer to keep a small list of those who would like to correspond with other people on the list. A few people thought it would be neat if they could discuss the ministry of jars with others on the list, and rather than reprint 600-odd addresses here, I will keep a list of those interested, so email me if you'd like to know who to write. This is more a way of meeting more cyber-friends and I'm sure you'll end up discussing more significant things than jars. Hope to hear from some of you.
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*Web site update:
Subj: Web site
Date: 95-10-10 18:12:09 EDT
From: scarls13@uranium.calvin.edu (Steven Carlson)
Hello Earthen Vessels subscribers!
In the past month or so, Andy and I have been working hard to put the Jars on-line as much as possible, first with the Earthen Vessels newsletter and now, we're proud to announce, the Jars of Clay web site. As Andy has already mentioned in the previous issue of EV, the web site is now on-line for your enjoyment. The address is:
http://www.grfn.org/~qwerty/jarsofclay
The site features lyrics, letters from the band, news, back issues of EV, information, tour dates (past and present) and more. One of the most exciting areas of the site, which I want to tell everyone about now, is the photos section. So far, the site has quite a few photos of the band, which are mostly candid photos. In the future, we'd like to continuously add new photos to the site.
Our hope is to show the band as they are, and not necessarily in the hyped-up image that professional photographers create. Please feel free to submit any photos or articles for inclusion at the site. Thanks for visiting-
Steve Carlson
scarls13@calvin.edu
Grand Rapids, Michigan
[We are currently discussing the possibility of including official sound bytes from the albums as well as scanned publicity photos and merchandise at the web site. Visit us often! -Ed.]
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*Jars in Russia...
From: 75272.3471@compuserve.com (Rawie G. Haas)
To: Earthpots@aol.com (Earthen Vessels Nwsltr)
Dear Andy,
great editor-in-chief,
I just wanted to let you know that, after seeing the seeing the foreign subscribers section in the most recent newsletter, you have another country to add on to your list! Although, I am a compuserve subscriber, I have to log onto InfoNet Euro over here in Moscow, Russia. My parents are missionaries here and I am a senior in high school. There is a christian school started by Campus Crusade for mostly missionary kids. I also have a brother in 10th grade.
There are quite a few dedicated JoC fans here and, since I've been living overseas, I am always amazed how the common bond of Christ brings so many people together, especially on the internet. I have been listening to the guys since their indie CD because the recorder player is the cousin of a friend of mine over here. It just blows my mind what a small world it is.
Please keep up the good work with the newsletter. I love getting all of the insider info over here, although my dad won't let me go into the www sites due to the high cost of logging on in Europe. Oh well. Oh yeah, I missed seeing the guys everywhere I went when I was home this summer, but it is interesting to read about the concerts in the different reviews. Any chance of a European tour? Maybe I'll get a chance to see them while I'm home this Christmas.
Well, I had better go because I know you get lots and lots of mail. Please know that their music has been a tremendous blessing and has been one of the few real things that has kept me going through some of the rough times here in Russia. (We listened to them practically everyday on the way to school last year.) Their integrity and dedication is VERY refreshing in the midst of "Christian" music today. I'd welcome any questions you have on life over here or how well the music is received, etc.
Blessings to you.
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*Sad But True:
Subj: jars concert
Date: 95-10-24 02:04:50 EDT
From: WasLostBC
You said you'd like to hear opinions and little tidbit stuff. . . As a matter of fact. . .this really has nothing to do with Jars themselves, but it had to do with the atmosphere at the Galaxy Theatre. Just something very interesting and sad.
My friends and I asked our server if it was any different dealing with a Christian crowd versus a non-christian crowd, and without hesitation she said "Yes!" She said Christians are worse and she was dreading working the concert that night.
This really made us sad. Our hearts just broke. She said that Christians are more picky and complainy (is that a word?) and whiny and are just jerks. They treat her like she is nothing, they are self-righteous, and they leave a sorry tip and THEN, to top it all off, they say, "God bless you" !
Can you believe it? Well, I'm not perfect and I certainly am self-righteous at times. So, repentence begins with me. But, I thought maybe you might mention that in the newsletter. Kind of just a warning that we need to be ambassadors of Christ and not to look down on nonchristians. To be more Christ-like, y'know?
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*Prayer Requests:
[This may seem like old news, but often times we forget to pray for people after a tragedy has happened and the repercussions are gone. I received this message immediately following the disaster, but the people involved are probably still suffering, so I thought it was applicable. -Ed.]
Date: 95-10-06 12:38:20 EDT
From: 102565.2452@compuserve.com (Family Bookstore)
To: Earthpots@aol.com (INTERNET:Earthpots@aol.com)
Pray for Hurricane victims,Pensacola to Panama City - Florida is a warzone! Homes destroyed,boats blocking highways,the beaches are gone! Pray for the animals that God created...he knows....but we do not. Just Pray
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Date: 95-10-04 13:21:13 EDT
From: jadams@anderson.edu (Adams Julie)
To: earthpots@aol.com
I do have a prayer request. My uncle has to start chemotherapy next week. This spring, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery to remove cancerous tumors. We thought the cancer was gone, but last week they found a cancerous lymph node. So he will have chemo for the next nine weeks. Please keep him and my family in your prayers.
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*Essential Answers
Subj: News...
Date: 95-10-19 19:17:26 EDT
From: RetroMan7
I wanted to answer a couple of questions regarding recent postings...hopefully the answers will help! First, the Christmas EP. It is officially entitled "Drummer Boy", has a new, acoustic version of "He", as well as two versions of "Little Drummer Boy" (the second remix is very etherial...so look out!), and finally "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"... It'll be shipping to stores Nov. 1, and you can reserve your copy now! Be sure you let them know you want one, because it's a limited edition - when they're gone, they're gone. Don't end up feeling the same about "Drummer Boy" as you do about "Frail"... :)
Also, I've been wanting to make a few comments regarding the mainstream release of this album. Several months ago, our parent company (Zomba Records) came to us and asked if they could release Jars of Clay mainstream - no changes...just as it is. WOW!! I can't even tell you how excited I am that God is making it possible to reach countless non-Christians with what we all know is a very powerful message. Sometimes people don't understand phrases like "crossover" and "going secular"...and I wanted you to understand exactly what is happening here. Their people want something we have!! How incredible! Praise God!
Finally, regarding the guys' live show. You'll all be excited to know that they'll be taking a new (as yet unnamed) bass player with them on the Smitty tour...as well as two string players!! They'll be all live, and it'll sound better than you've ever heard it!
Thanks so much for your continued support...and keep striving to know God better!
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*Concert Review - Taylor University 10/3/95:
Subj: concert review
Date: 95-10-04 13:21:13 EDT
From: jadams@anderson.edu (Adams Julie)
To: earthpots@aol.com
After a half an hour delay due to a campus power outage along with a few other minor problems, Jars took the stage in Rediger Chapel at Taylor University at a little after 8:00p.m. The crowd came to its feet the minute the lights went down as the band opened with Liquid. It was so awesome!
They sang almost every song on their album, including Love Song for a Savior in which they had the audience join in on the chorus! You could really feel the Holy Spirit in that auditorium! At a lighter point of the concert, Jars performed their coffee song and Matt did his outstanding impression of a cappuccino machine! They performed Flood as the encore. Although the concert only lasted for about an hour, (the only down side of the concert), I think everyone walked away with a bigger appreciation of Jars' ministry and a heart filled with the love of God. I know I did!
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*Concert Review: Bothell, WA 10/12/95:
REVIEW OF JARS OF CLAY WITH PFR CONCERT IN BOTHELL, WA, 10/12/95
Review written by Paulette & Heather Kragness [sent via snail mail and transcribed by subscriber Margaret Vitalis, thanks!]
What a spectacular show! While standing in line, the buzz was all about Jars of Clay--I don't blame everyone--it's an excellent show (I had the pleasure of seeing them previously in St. Bonifacious, MN)!!! It was a full house, standing room only, with people sitting in the aisles.
Jars came on stage to loud, uproarious screaming. They opened with "Liquid" and wow'd the crowd. "Like a Child" was their second song, then "Boy On a String." I'm not sure if the band or the crowd was louder, but it was great. Dan shared with us a story about a book, _Death By Child Abuse: The Story of Ursula Sunshine_, that he had read in high school and how it had touched him. Jars wrote a song dealing with child abuse and how beyond the abuse, God is there. While Dan was sharing, the church was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. They then immediately went into "He." It was a riveting performance. I'm sure many lives were touched by this song.
Their second- to-last song was "Love Song For A Savior." They did a raw, edgier version of this than on the CD, and we had a sing-a-long. Their final song was, of course, "Flood." This being their first release, it was the crowd favorite.
Jars was as wild as the crowd. It was an excellent show. Sporadically throughout PFR's set, Charlie played keyboards and sang backup. We even caught Matt on the side of the stage singing and dancing. We had the pleasure of meeting Matt, Steve, Charlie & Dan at the end of the night. It was wonderful to see them interacting with the crowd and to be able to talk to them. They are very sincere, God-filled, honest, real guys.
We then follwed the tour down to Newberg, Oregon the next night, but missed Jars' part of the concert, so on Saturday, 10/14, we went up to Anacortes, Washington trying to get into the sold-out show. We did get in, and it was an excellent concert, just as the one on 10/12. My sister Heather enjoyed the Anacortes show better, because she had begun to know and like their music.
We don't want to sound like groupies or anything, but we have grown fond of Jars. They are some of the coolest guys, and we are grateful that we got to meet and know them. It is so obvious that they aren't in this for self-gratitude, but they have a message they want to share, and they are following a call. It's wonderful to see twenty-something generation X'ers sharing their message of the Gospel in a positive way.
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*Drummer Boy EP CCM Review:
For the many Christian music fans whose boredom with cookie cutter artists, overproduced bubble gum pop, and trite, recycled lyrics drew them to Jars of Clay's innovative sound, this album is one more reason why this band's popularity is teeming. Jars of Clay's acoustic Christmas release, Drummer Boy, begins with a pulsing interpretation of "Drummer Boy," accented by syncopated percussion and a shaker beat. Jars' signature layered harmonies and lissome guitars fuel the song's movement. A second version of this classic tune, "Drummer Boy (Grinch version)," utilizes synthesizers to create a dissonant, gritty and industrial sound. A quiet rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" provides a colorful contrast to the throbbing motion of "Drummer Boy". Inspired by Peter, Paul and Mary, strings weave angelic harmonies as an oboe pierces the guitar-laden musical interlude.
The 3-song EP's pared simplicity befits its cause; a portion of its proceeds are being donated to the Child Abuse Prevention Center of Middle Tennessee. Perhaps that is why an acoustic version of "He," previously released on Jars of Clay's debut, is the album's most memorable. Stripped of heavy production, the song relies on rich musical texture to paint a vivid picture of child abuse: strings wail like a crying child as imaginative piano work evokes images of falling teardrops. Ethereal, haunting harmonies and fast-paced guitars complement the song's commanding mood.
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