The Official Monthly Jars of Clay Email News Digest
12/19/96
4,576 Subscribers
web site: http://www.jarsofclay.com
CONTENTS:
*Message from Stephen Mason
*Liquid #1 in Singapore
*Weblinks
*Concert Reviews: 11/22/96 Omaha, Nebraska
*Concert Reviews: 11/26/96 Caffe Milano, Nashville, TN
*Prayer Requests
*November, 1996 CCM Article
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*Message from Stephen Mason:
Howdy all - just wanted to share something I came across the other day.....as we are confronted and held accountable by brothers and sisters in Christ, I read something that gave me a new perspective on situations such as those. The scripture is Psalm 141:5a and it says: "Let a righteous man (or Let the Righteous One) strike me-it is a kindness; let him rebuke me-it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it....."
What struck me about this is the writer, David, compared being rebuked to receiving oil on his head, or being anointed with oil.......As he was just a shepherd boy, David received an anointing with oil that one day he would be king, and in retrospect, was referred to as a man after God's own heart. For me, this communicated something really cool. In those times of confrontation, when other brothers and sisters rebuke me, and show me "kindness" in that way - I KNOW that it is for a reason - that God himself has a plan for my future, much greater than I could ever realize......and a rebuke or confrontation with the body of Christ is a manner in which I'm being prepared for His desire for my life. Now - I know not to be timid.....if I believe something, I will stand up for it - however, when accountability does put me "back in place", know it's a divine appointment.
Read this one more time with the original anointing of David:
"....let him rebuke me-it is oil on my head..."
and then I Samuel 16:13, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power."
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*Liquid Number 1 in Singapore:
From: egene@singnet.com.sg
The big news is that "Liquid" is currently the NUMBER 1 SONG IN SINGAPORE. It has been on the Top 20 charts for 10 weeks, and now it is NUMBER 1. And this is a very big step for Christian music in the contemporary music scene. The JOC fans in Singapore are really very excited by the wonderful news.
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*Weblinks:
A quick list of "official" sites with JoC articles & interviews, to be added to in the future:
http://www.ricochetmusic.com/
http://www.7ball.com/08/08feat01.htm
http://tlem.netcentral.net/may95/reviews/jars_of_clay_rev.html
http://tlem.netcentral.net/j-a95/features/jars_of_clay.html
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*Concert Reviews: 11/16/96 Irvine, CA
From: buscema@cts.com
God is not only the foundation of the Jars of Clay's lives, but He is also the foundation of their music. Their faith in God shows through in their lives, and at their concerts. On November 16th, I had the opportunity to see them perform in Irvine, California. It was an awesome experience to watch both Christian and non-Christian people listening to the message of Christ as they sang.
The audience was on their feet screaming as the violinist, Robby, came on stage playing the intro to Liquid. The other members soon joined him on stage to give the audience a concert they would not forget.
The group performed many songs from the self titled Jars of Clay album as well as a few from Frail , Rose Colored Stained Glass Windows, and a few songs yet to be released. Of those played from Frail was my ultimate favorite: Fade to Grey. The songs I heard that are going to be on their new cd coming out "sometime in the future" as Dan put it, are entertaining, but also have a real message of Christ.
After the concert was over, I had the opportunity to join the multitudes of people hording towards the band members to get things signed, such as CD's and posters. I was able to get to the front and talk to those who belong to the group. I was amazed when Charlie Lowell knew my name from a mutual friend on the Internet. They were all so nice and friendly and they even let a friend and I take pictures with them... which you can find at the official Jars of Clay website that my brother Jason helps maintain. To be honest, it was the best concert I have ever been to, and if any of you have not had the chance to see them perform, you're missing out on a great time and ministry! :)
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From: patton@yooper.switch.rockwell.com
Dear Jarheads,
Fabulous, just fabulous. The maturation of JOC is just amazing from even seeing them in July. The addition of Roddie Chion on violin added incredibly to the overall sound textures. Their reworking of some arrangements kept the audience on their toes, constantly anticipating what was to happen next. I particularly enjoyed "Rose Colored Stained Glass Windows" from the "Never Say Dinosaur" album. They looked very at ease performing and the violin solos allowed them much more freedom on stage. Steve's electric guitar work was good, but mixed a little low for my taste, I would have liked to have had it louder, but such is life. All in all, JOC put on a great concert, and I am looking forward to their new album whenever it is available. Stay true and have an outstanding and joyous holiday season. Jesus is the reason for the season!!!!!
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*Concert Reviews: 11/22/96 Omaha, Nebraska
From: bmwhite@creighton.edu
I'd never seen JoC in concert before, so it was awesome! Sarah Jahn opened (although the crowd did not respond very well, as she hasn't released an album yet). The Gufs (I think they are a non-Christian band from Wisconsin) followed. Basically, they were loud - but then again, I was right in front of the speakers :). Jars came next, and we were in for a surprise: Michael Tait of DCTalk came out at the beginning and sang along to the intro for Liquid. Also joining them was a violin player, a percussionist, and a bass player. Jars continued through their repertoire of songs from both their initial release and their self-titled album, also throwing in a few new songs: Blame, and Crazy Times. They ended the show in an encore of 4:7. Then, we were lucky enough to get autographs of nearly the whole band. They made reference that this is their last concert of this tour - but - if you get the chance to see them - DO IT!
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From: abritton@s-cwis.unomaha.edu
Hey, I loved the concert in Omaha on the 22nd. Having Michael Tait on stage was a nice touch, it rocked. The Jars have improved dramatically, a change that can only be attributed to two years of touring. They are as tight as a knot now, and the violin player added a ton. I loved the song slated for the next album that was about Dan's grandparents.
Me and my "significant other" just swayed back and forth to the music, powerful stuff this everlasting love. I loved how they broke right into Flood without any warning from the previous tune. Many non-believers got to hear a pretty good presentation of the gospel that night, praise God. Thanks for a great show.
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*Concert Review: November 26, 1996 Caffe Milano, Nashville, TN
A very chilly evening greeted a throng of varied personalities lined up outside the Caffe Milano in downtown Nashville for the "Treasure the Children" Benefit Concert for the Child Abuse Prevention Center of Middle Tennessee. Music industry notables, Center supporters, family, friends, and fans entered the door at 6:00 p.m. Except for several reserved tables near the stage, the seating was first come, first serve. Ushers escorted parties to various tables until Caffe Milano was filled to capacity. Jars of Clay had presented each guest with a Drummer Boy CD at each place setting. The atmosphere was enthusiastic, but truly focused on the serious nature of the event. An incredible four-course dinner, including beef tenderloin and salmon was exquisitely prepared and served. It was extremely apparent this endeavor required many, many dedicated people embracing the cause of child abuse prevention.
But not to exclude our humble hosts.....Seeming very comfortable on home turf, Jars of Clay greeted the guests, socialized with family and friends and posed for a few pictures. Dressed in Jars of Clay "evening attire," one particular lead vocalist professed he was "sporting the Pastor Scotty Smith look" equipped with sweater vest and tie! They each looked quite "dapper" I must say!! They quietly assumed the stage and began a gripping acoustic version of HE to a then silent crowd. The song's soul infused message seemed even more powerful to justify this evening's occasion. Dan then thanked everyone for being there combining music with awareness of what's going on in our world and the abuse of children. He introduced Tana Mills, the director of the Child Abuse Prevention Center. Due to such Benefit contributions, the Center served over 500 families this past year. A poignant video was later shown illustrating the Center and the children they had helped through times of crisis...teaching us lessons most have somehow forgotten. God has blessed these providers so abundantly with strength to face each working day.
Jars then took the stage, through several smirks and smiles, announced that since they had performed Flood in over 300 shows within the past 18 months, they wouldn't perform it that evening....After a few aah's from the crowd, they began with God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, then Jars own special rendition of O Little Town of Bethlehem, with Steve and Matt's guitar arrangement unlike any other I'd ever heard. They ended with their inspiring, shaker version of Drummer Boy with upbeat layered harmonies....impressive setting and sound!! But....then they left...with Steve and Charlie returning to MC.
"As winner of the coveted Horizon Award and Female vocalist of the Year, with her new Double Platinum Album," Steve and Charlie amusingly took turns introducing Alison Krauss and Union Station. The crowd wildly responded. For once, Jars of Clay got to kick back, rejoin the audience and enjoy the show. Alison's band comprised 5 members playing string bass, acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, and of course Alison on fiddle.Each band member shared a humorous anecdote to introduce one another.
They began with Ball and Chain, then Steel Rails with its rich fiddle solo. "Now That I Found You" seemed an exact replica of "A Collection's" CD version. Her voice is remarkable, almost angelic at times with incredible instrumental and vocal backup.......and Fiddle mastery. Ghost in the House was followed by the lilting melody "When You Say Nothing at All," her final number for the night....a resounding display even for those not particularly familiar with country music. (In Nashville..that's impossible!)
Dan then confided his personal connection with the issue of child abuse. The book "Death by Child Abuse: The Story of Ursula Sunshine" revealed the last days of a little girl murdered as the result of constant abuse. He explained the significance the book had on his life and the main reason Jars of Clay feels so strongly about backing this particular cause. At the seventh inning stretch, Matt and Dan introduced co-writer Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris Rodriguez, and the rest of Michael W. Smith's Band. Then Smitty, himself, valiantly entered immediately ripping into On the Other Side and Rocketown. MWS said it was a joy to participate and thanked Jars of Clay for inviting him. He sang an emotional song written with Amy Grant and Gary Chapman dedicated to a friend who had been killed. He then best described "What we were all doing here tonight" by singing I Will Be Here For You, then ending with Friends....a colorful compassionate performance.
Jars of Clay regained the stage once more just to thank Alison Krauss and Union Station, Michael W, Smith and Band, Caffe Milano, the Child Abuse Center, and each member of the audience for supporting the Cause.....And anticipating the Event year after year. The evening was filled with great food and great entertainment, but the real message was a desperate plea to end child abuse and to aid those who work with abused children. I would have loved to have heard another set from Jars. It was apparent to me that Jars was shifting attention away from themselves and toward the other entertainers....but mostly toward the purpose of the event, thus keeping with their own mission and discipline. It was a wonderful evening of entertainment, concern, and reverence for a special crusade!
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*Prayer Requests:
We have a junior-senior high convention in Niagara Falls, NY each December sponsored by Youth For Christ. It started four years ago with 300-400 young people and this year - it's called Niagara '96 - they are expecting 2,500 - 3,000 kids!! Not only do kids get saved at this, but those that are Christians are trained to start Bible clubs and prayer groups in their schools and share their faith with their friends. Please pray for us this year!
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My grandfather just got his leg amputated after from some cancer. He had been waiting for about six months before he decided for the amputation. My grandfather is not a Christian, he is Buddhist. During that time, my sister, mother, and I prayed together for him. We knew that the power of prayer is even stronger when two or three come in His name. It was truly God's work that the cancer was still localized after six months. Nothing spread. He's learning to walk with his new prosthesis now. I'm hoping that you guys can pray for my grandfather's continual recovery and that in time, the Holy Spirit will be planted in his heart where his eyes will be opened to the Lord. My mom just brought him to church last week and I'm hoping that we can continue to bring him. Thanx for listening.
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From: iduke@tiger.lsuiss.ocs.lsu.edu
hello, my name is kris duke. i am a junior at LSU and i would like for all JOC fans to pray for three people: my friend barney, my cousin jeremiah, and my friend ed.
barney is a seeker and seems to be opening up to discussions about jesus. would you please pray for his salvation and that Christ would lead his search?.
my cousin jeremiah likes a couple of christian bands and has told me that events in his life make him think as to whether or not his spiritual path is the correct one. he is not saved and he listens to me when i tell him what i've found in Jesus. please pray for his salvation also.
my friend ed who lives several doors down the hall from me in my dorm says he admires Jesus and tries to model his life after Him. He loves everything about Jesus but says that he doesn't feel as i do about "the son of God thing." but there is hope: he loves JOC. he has said, "I knew they were christian and all, but i just like their sound." he is a guitar player and has stated his opinion of their "uniqueness." Please pray for his salvation and that maybe next time he listens to our "brothers'" cd he will think.
thank you all.
JOC, i love you guys. keep looking at Christ!
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From: Anonymous
Right now I have a friend that I am very worried about. He's very talented and intellegent- some might even say brilliant- but he's going through some really deep depression and personal struggles right now that are effecting nearly every aspect of his life. He also is a Christian, but of course, as we all know, even Christians have problems- and he seems to be sinking deeper into his. So if someone could please pray for him, I would be eternally grateful.
God Bless and keep the faith,
Anonymous
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From: pureheart1@juno.com
My youth pastor recently made a big move. He moved to Kigoma, Tanzania, East Africa. I ask for two things to be prayed for. One is: the war zone that he and his whole family is in the middle of over there. I am not too sure about the particulars, but all I know is that the surrounding countries are at war. The next thing is that he and a few members of his family have recently come down with bad cases of malaria. Please pray for their health as they do God's work in Africa. Oh - Pray that through their ministry, thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people come to know the Lord. Thank you so very much for your prayers.
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From: sweitzel@iastate.edu
Over Thanksgiving the father of one two of the students at my high school was killed on a car accident. I ask that you would please pray for them and their family, because this is a very difficult thing to be going through. thank you very much!
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From: flash17@ix.netcom.com
I am going to California for the holidays with my brother whom I haven't had a nice conversation with in 3 years to see the grandparents that disowned me when they found out I was a Christian. I can only ask for your prayers that I can be a light in their life and that our relationships can mend over the 10 days that I will be there.
Thanks,
Sara
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From: DmWallert@aol.com
Hi! I just wanted to add a quick prayer intention...a friend of mine's father is very sick and is expected to die very shortly. She has been very strong...almost too strong not wanting help from anyone. Please pray for her...that she will be able to lean on her friends, family, and faith during this time and also pray that her father be at peace. Thank you. Dana
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From: mr.potatohead2@juno.com
I have a friend at school and she does drugs. I told her to quit but she won't. She offered someone else drugs but she told the V.P. My friend got expelled from school today. I would just like you to pray for her.
Your fan,
andrew
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From: boggs@clinton.net
My name is Becca, and I just have a quick prayer request. I would ask that you and other JOC subscribers pray for my spiritual walk right now. I ask that you pray that I will seek to do God's will in all that I do, especially making plans for college next year (I am a senior in high school.) Also, that I will continue to be challenged and used by God to bring others to His kingdom, and be encouraged as I do so. Thanks!
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From: pcameron@idirect.com
I'd like to ask a favour of all of you out there, and that is to please pray for a situation going on in my life right now. I've recently broken up with a guy I really care about, in fact he's the only guy I've ever loved. We went out for about 8 months and we've been good friends for a couple of years. When we started dating we promised each other that if we broke up we'd still be friends, since our friendship meant so much to us both. Unfortunately things aren't working out that way. please pray that the tension between us will go away and that our friendship will be restored. He has played a really important part in my life and I'd hate to lose him. Thanks. Love in Jesus.
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From: cemill@umr.edu
I am a Senior in college getting an engineering degree. I have really felt God's call on me to go into the ministry. Right now my plans include working long enough to pay off school and then attending seminary. God has given me so much desire to study in His word lately. I just can't get enough. I have even been sending out a daily devotional to my BSU. Please pray for me as begin to look for employment that I might be able to find some place in the mainstream Christian industry and also that God will continue to use me for His work.
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* November, 1996 CCM Article:
"Jars of Clay Faces the Critics"
CCM Magazine: "In the News": November, 1996
By: Debra Akins
Two summers ago found the members of Jars of Clay desperately seeking low-cost entertainment to consume the empty afternoons following the May 1995 release of their debut album. Now, a short 18 months later, the post-college age foursome would be fairly content to just have an afternoon off as the phone continues to ring off the hook with requests for more and more appearances, interviews and performances.
The group's success has included a platinum-selling debut album, a Grammy nomination, and a radio single that hit No. 2 on the Triple A College Radio chart, No. 7 on the Adult Alternative chart, and No. 15 on the Modern Rock chart. Additionally, the band has received video airplay on VH-1 and MTV and been interviewed for a myriad of national television and print appearances. Add to that a year and a half of touring, first with PFR then Michael W. Smith, a string of club dates and a few performances with Sting, and the success story reads like a musician's wildest dream come true.
But what makes Jars of Clay even more unique is the fact that in the same year it captured the attention of the general marketplace, the band also took home the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for New Artist of the Year-a somewhat contradictory set of accomplishments. Along with the success, however, has come some criticism from Christian retailers, radio stations, and yes, even the occasional fans who have indicated their disapproval of performances in mainstream clubs that are open to 21-and-up crowds only. There have also been complaints of a "watered-down" message in such venues, a different agenda than what the group has in its "Christian" concerts. In a recent interview with THE CCM UPDATE, Jar members Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Steve Mason and Matt Odmark discussed the issues facing them as they continue to achieve unsolicited stardom in an industry that is supposed to shun the spotlight. Mason explained, "We do feel some pressure now, but a lot of this has just happened so unexpectedly for us in a sense that we didn't set out to do this. We didn't say, 'Okay, what's the next plan?' We just kind of kept doing what we were doing, and those doors have opened."
"I think God has really shown us and taught us a lot about how, for Jars of Clay, it's really a platform that doesn't necessarily find its entire life within the Christian marketplace," said lead vocalist Haseltine. "We've tried really hard to break that separation of Christian band and mainstream band because as far as we're concerned there really shouldn't be that separation. We don't want our music to be just for the Christian marketplace." Mason added, "We've heard stories of Christian retailers who have heard us play in a club and who have said they've decided to pull our product from the shelves, which I can't say makes a lot of sense. I don't profess to know necessarily that what we're doing is exactly what we should be doing, or have the full knowledge that this is exactly right. But I can say that it's just cutting off a part of the body of Christ when people are pulling our product from the shelves, when I believe that's how you get the message out. It's just real frustrating. "My youth pastor has said that when people ask him what's going on with Jars of Clay, he'll say three things. First, he'll ask, 'How have you been praying for them?' Then he'll say, 'Have you tried to contact them if you have questions or if you've heard things?,' because the rumor mill is really bad. Third, he'll ask the question, 'How is your neighbor?,' implying that as a Christian community we can't put all our expectations of converting the world onto these types of platforms like 'What's Jars of Clay doing?' It needs to start on a personal level."
According to Haseltine, the band canceled quite a few church dates this past summer when as their focus was shifting to the club circuit. "We had to rework a lot of schedules, and I think we made a lot of people mad. Many of them feel that we copped out on the Christian shows so that we could make more money in the mainstream, but the funny thing is that we were making anywhere from $10,000-15,000 a show in the Christian market, and when we started doing clubs, we were making $500 a night. We even ate our shirts some nights and didn't make anything.
"For us, our ministry is between us and God," Haseltine continued. "It's where we feel God has us in His will, and that's what we're trying to seek after and be obedient to, not necessarily to be obedient to man. We pray most nights that our motivations aren't for the acceptance of man or for the approval of man, just that when we walk off stage we'll feel like we did something worth being on stage for.
"So when those people criticize, we take their opinions to heart, but we also realize that they're not going to fully understand what we're doing, because they're not out on the road with us. They're not out night after night seeing what happens. They're not getting the letters we're getting from people who say they bought our album simply because they heard the song 'Flood' and became a Christian because that was a catalyst. So all we can do is try to love those critical people, and often those are the hardest people to love."
Greg Frey, music buyer for Baptist Bookstores, thinks that any mainstream attention Jars of Clay receives is only fueling sales within the Christian marketplace, too. "This [album] has just been a huge gangbuster for us... As their exposure gets greater, it's just going to increase our sales. The only negative thing would be if they don't hold true to what their testimony and their mission is. But there would be no reason that we would pull something from a shelf just because they're visiting those types of venues. If they can do what they're doing out there and still maintain their commitment, it's great."
Family Bookstores Sr. Music Buyer Bob Elder agrees, "When they started the club tour, I was actually expecting to hear more than I did from our stores, and I was actually pleased that I didn't. With all of the spotlight and media attention on Jars, even though they haven't gotten a fair shake in every article, I've been very pleased with the integrity they've displayed as Christian artists, identifying who they are in Christ. I think their witness has been tremendous. It's a breath of fresh air for the entire music industry. Even though they may have also taken some flack from the secular marketplace, I couldn't be happier with who they are and what they've done and how meek they've been about it."
Haseltine said "It's really a neat thing when we can sit down with people after our shows and they ask, 'What are you guys really about?' Or when we go to a mainstream radio station and they ask us, 'What does it feel like to be a Christian band in this marketplace?' They don't understand what it means to be a Christian. They don't understand the difference between religion institutionally and being a Christian. When we can go in and break down those barriers, it's great. We can show that we can just be normal human beings who love and accept people and who don't fit under the stereotype of being judgmental or preachy, or who just have an agenda to convert people."
Jars of Clay will head back into the studio after the first of the year to begin work on its second project. In the meantime, Silvertone Records, the band's mainstream distributor, is considering the release of a third single ("Boy on a String") to mainstream radio, following "Flood" and "Liquid."
Does the band expect similar success with a new album? "I think if it doesn't happen, we'll be fine with it and know that it was just a season for us," said keyboardist Charlie Lowell. "We are definitely at a different place now than we were when we wrote the songs on the debut album. I'm sure what we've seen in the past year and a half is going to affect our writing."
Mason adds, "I think our favorite question is when kids come up to us and say, 'Man, how are you guys ever gonna top your first album! That's, like, impossible!' And we just say, 'You know what, we're not gonna.'"
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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