The Official Monthly Jars of Clay Email News Digest
1/31/97
4,883 Subscribers
web site: http://www.jarsofclay.com
CONTENTS:
*Five Candles
*New merchandise!
*TV/Radio/Concert Review: 12/28/96 Augusta, GA
*Concert Review: 9/7/96 Southpark Meadows, Austin, TX
*Another soap opera?
*Brentwood Jars site
*Rumored Concerts
*Secular Dialogue
*Prayer Requests
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*Five Candles:
The band is presently in London recording a new song for the upcoming Jim Carrey movie (not a typical Jim Carrey movie, by the way...) called "Liar Liar". The song is titled "Five Candles" and will be the only song on the soundtrack - the remainder of the soundtrack will be instrumental. Current plans imply that the new song may also be released as a single. Steve Lipson, who has produced Simple Minds and Prefab Sprout, among others, will be producing the single and possibly additional songs for the upcoming album.
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*New merchandise!
As of 1/18/97, the merchandise section of the website was drastically updated. The pictures are very clear and there are new merchandise items for sale including a new shirt as well as the Jars of Clay songbook with guitar and piano chords!
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*TV/Radio/Concert Review: 12/28/96 Augusta, GA
From: libbyp@csranet.com
An afternoon with Jars of Clay on tour was kind of like watching a parade go by. The "marching band" kept in step, not missing a beat; and I gazed with wonder, not quite knowing what to expect next. After all, with over 300 shows squeezed into the past year and a half, I'm sure they could maneuver their tour schedule with one arm tied behind their backs.....not the best analogy for musicians. But, it was great to see for myself just how it all fits together.
After sleeping on the bus through the wee hour drive from Orlando, FL, Jars disembarked at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel in Augusta, GA. Their tour bus, a shiny "cafe au lait" colored behemoth ($5 word) sleeps 12 in comfortably(?) close quarters.....including seven band members, tour manager, with sound and road crew alternating snoozing with driving the Jars' trucks.....chocked full of all the stuff of which live concerts are made.
After freshening up and seeing a bit of the local landscape, their tightly timed afternoon schedule began. Radio station at 3:15. Television appearance at 3:45. Sound check at 4:30. Group meeting at 5:45. Dinner at 6:30. Backstage at 7:45. It's hard to comprehend the gel, but it works.....smoothly in fact!
Jars' interview at the local radio station and the TV spot with area CBS news anchor spanned the gap from the subtle to the sublime. The Y105 radio interview was a lighthearted joust between DJ and Band. When asked, "What do you do? and What do you want?" Matt replied, "I play guitar and I want candy,".....with a girl from the next office presenting him a Tootsie Pop. After completely disarming the DJ with his "polka ploy," Steve pitched the next album as showing "Higher highs and lower lows dynamically speaking.....more of the same except different!!" Over the wacky frog calls of Matt, Jars modestly understated their "fame" when asked if they'd ever been accosted by fans at the local supermarket. With all joking aside, Charlie once again revealed the origin of their name, which always shifts thoughts to their true purpose. Charlie then quoted a "May/June" album release date, with Dan's adding of "this year definitely."
Reassured that it was not the Hard Copy team awaiting them, Jars proceeded to the News room and gathered before the camera with a much sharper focus. The TV appearance, entitled "For Your Faith," openly enabled the band to share the true objective of their music and ministry. When questioned about their musical motivation, Charlie began, "Since we are all Christians and our faith is very important to us, we write from our experiences." When asked about their message in Christ, Dan answered, "He encompasses our lives; therefore He encompasses what we do in our writing, our lyrics, and our art." This left no doubt as to where Jars of Clay stands spiritually.....their communication clear as a bell.....with Steve expressing the best way to be real in their faith "is by living it."
Following the TV spot, they hurried back for sound check at the Imperial Theatre, an 80 year old landmark in the city of Augusta. At first, each Jar worked his own space balancing instruments with vocals, sorting it all out with their sound engineer in the back of the house. After piecing together the mix they played; and I enjoyed a private soundcheck performance with promoter and friends of the band. Finishing their meeting on the bus, the band and crew walked across the street for dinner, allowing them a brief interim before concert countdown and backstage prep. I was quite impressed with their speedy transition from eating to performing.....reminding me of working out on a full stomach.....if you've ever seen Jars live!
In the theatre a totally pumped, sold out crowd excitedly welcomed the Vigilantes of Love from Athens, GA with a loose feeling style reminiscent of Neil Young and Bob Dylan with deep Christian message. Lead vocalist/song writer, Bill Mallonee's solid lyrics explored themes of sin and salvation: their newest Double Cure stressing allegiance/obedience with electric guitar hammering strains of "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." Their experience showed vividly through their relaxed barefoot approach. Vigilantes of Love played about 6 songs, mostly from their newest compilation VOL. The crowd loved 'em as they anxiously awaited the matter at hand!!........
.........With low lights, Roddie and violin stood alone......Through a passionate string passage, one by one, Jars quietly assumed their positions to an otherwise "shrilling" crowd. The fans remained standing through most of the show, moving to it's message.....hopefully seizing it's significance! Not to forget Jars' indisputable "charm".......completing their acoustic set, Steve commented "they'd been joined by a large 8 legged creature" which was cruising the stage between Matt and Dan. With his handkerchief, Matt politely swished off a fat cockroach. When a fan stood and yelled, "a roach has only six legs," Steve declared, "It takes one to know one buddy!" Needless to say band/audience interaction was in high gear that evening. The set list included almost all of Jars' tried and true, interspersed with new and unreleased material, and even Little Drummer Boy. Fade to Grey imparted a beat driven plea for a Saviour. Blame's rock and rest sequences grabbed the listener's ear, while RCSGW's embraced all Jars' vocal talents with electric guitar and smooth Hammond organ finish. Fly Farther lyrically tugged the heart, not unlike the soulful feel of He. In contrast, Crazy Times literally jarred the crowd to it's feet, (pun intended) as did Flood and 4:7. Augusta was blessed with an outstanding performance.
Afterwards, I sat on a step and watched as Jars met, mixed, and mingled with fans. From a distance, ministry on the road seems very exciting....seeing new sights, pacifying screaming fans, sharing themselves with a menagerie of people. But knowing home is where the heart is.....I'm sure lengthy stints would have to take some toll. Lucky for Jars and us fans, this last four day tour will leave them grounded in Nashville and into the studio to pursue their next album and other new projects. As time moves on, prayer support is most vital to the ministry of Jars of Clay. Please continue to pray for their strength and ministry. It was a real privilege to better get to know the men behind the music. Because, from what I've seen......the best is yet to come!
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Review by: Jeff Cook, jeff@maroon.us.dell.com
Jars of Clay opened for Sting on the Texas leg of his tour. They came to Austin from Dallas and were heading to Houston. Before the concert, it rained heavily for about 15 minutes. However, the sun was shining bright, and as people ran for cover, the most beautiful double rainbow I have ever seen produced itself in the distance towards the east. Since the stage faced the east, Jars of Clay started warming up to this view.
I want to ask them what they thought of it. Anyway, they opened with 'Liquid' as people milled around. It was a mellow "Sting-type" crowd, and people relaxed and listed to the music. A handful of claps were recorded here and there after each song. Dan, the lead singer, mentioned 'Sinking' was about addictions and they played it. All of their songs were from the "Jars of Clay" title CD, except for their tribute to PETRA, which was of course, 'Rose Colored Stained Glassed Windows' -- and a a tribute it was, as it sounded great. During a band break, Dan mentioned that Jars of Clay comes from II Cor. 4:7 and made it clear that they gave all of their glory to none other than God. It was a great witness. They closed with Flood. This is the interesting part. The crowd perked their ears and I wished everyone could have seen the number of people that talked to the person next to them and said something to the effect of "Hey, you mean THEY (these Christian guys) sing this song". I am sure many if not all of those attending had heard the song on popular radio stations in Texas. It was too cool. They got a very loud applause following 'Flood'. Sting came on afterwards, thanked Jars of Clay and asked how the crowd liked them and they received another round of applause. And by the way, Sting was good too...
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*Another soap opera?
A few people, while watching the soap opera "Days of Our Lives" on Friday, December 27, 1996 emailed me after hearing Flood being played. It was during the last couple minutes of the show and a character named "Sami" was driving in a car while listening to the radio. Sami was apparently "dancing" to the song but then got into a car crash.
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*Brentwood Jars site:
Brentwood is finally online! The parent company of Essential Records, Brentwood includes many sub-labels that are detailed at the site: http://www.brentwoodmusic.com Please visit the new site!
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*Concert update:
Although the jars are done touring for quite a while to record the new tunes, they will be doing a few large intermittent shows over the next four or five months. We have received tentative reports for two concerts during a brief week off from the London recording sessions:
March 28: Dallas, TX
March 29: Houston, TX
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*Secular Dialogue
The following dialogue with Charlie and a sincere fan on the Internet somewhat illustrates how Jars feel about secular music. I am including this because it sheds a lot of light on the true feelings of the band and on ministry. Also, many of you wondered why there were secular bands listed on Jars' Top Ten list.
Charlie (to me):
Here's a letter I got and how I responded. I'm so immersed in some of this, I wonder if my perspective is always balanced?
Fan (to Charlie):
hi! charlie it's me jen...do you guys like secular music and why? can you explain why you would listen to secular music? and what kinds? i used to only listen to secular...but now regularly listen to ccm...but i do still like bands like dave matthews, no doubt, and gin blossoms, etc..but isn't that bad according to God?
Charlie (to fan):
Hey there, I will attempt to address your question regarding "secular" vs. "christian" music. First of all, I think we each need to decide for ourselves what is appropriate and decent to listen to. For me, I listen to mostly secular music. This is partly because as I musician, I feel like it is my responsibility to be challenged by the music I listen to and to listen to music that is an art form, that probes who we are and what we struggle with, what brings us joy, pain, etc. I think music should reflect the heart, if it truly is art. And as a musician/artist that wants to be relevant in this world, I think it is a necessity to know what's "out there", what the culture responds to, what our country is struggling with, confused about. I grew up studying many kinds of music, from classical to techno to alternative, mainstream and christian. Much of Christian music is not very realistic to me. It presents our faith as a cute little package wrapped up in a bow, which is most often not the case if we are really growing and being challenged. This may be why the industry has become it's own community and lost it's impact in society. However, there are a few Christian bands I love and feel that are doing a good job of taking the gospel to the world, i.e. sixpence, dctalk, rich mullins, sarah masen.
This may more clearly express my thoughts: If one were to become a doctor or plumber, would he/she only study the words and knowledge of Christian doctor's and plumbers? As Christians we should be excellent at everything we do, that is our calling; to love and to be excellent models. For a musician I believe this means studying music of all kinds. However, there are bands that I do not listen to because of their message, but I believe we should at least know about them, so we are not ignorant.
I understand and respect how different people can look at this issue very differently. For example, if a Christian has been saved out of a very lost, dark life, the music they were previously associated with is going to have some effect on them now, probably a negative one. They need be careful and listen to music that will encourage and uplift them. This is different for a lot of people, and we need to decide for ourselves (based on our convictions which come from God) what is wise. I think there is a danger of saying, "This is how it should be for everybody", because that tends to lead to a legalistic mindset. We've all come from different experiences and backgrounds. Does this make much sense? I've wrestled with these issues a lot and this is my conclusion, so far......let me ramble some more.
Jars of Clay wants to be relevant to today's world, which requires communicating in a way that people can relate to. One of our biggest desires is to simply love people. Loving people means listening to them, caring for them, knowing their needs, and being honest with them about what we know. Music is a great way to do this, because it breaks down SO many walls! All we can do is share our hearts and strive to be examples of Christ in our society, and pray that God blesses it and that seeds are planted as a result.
The whole issue of a "christian" industry that is completely cut off from the world is frustrating to me as well, but that's kind of another issue. As Christians, we should be in the world, but not of the world. This means being surrounded by non-Christians and loving the unlovable, while holding on to the principles of the Gospel and our faith in Christ. My pastor calls this "inculturation of the Gospel". If we are truly doing this, the world will see our love and be drawn to Christ. I'm excited that some of these walls are crumbling between the two industries, and Jars is honored that we can have some part in it. It is truly the Lord's hand working! Our lost world needs to see that we care about them and will listen to them, not that we simply want to convert people to our way of thinking so we can achieve points in heaven. It's the nudging of the Spirit that calls their hearts to Christ, not our persuasive words or righteous works.
If this sounds very heavy-handed, it's because I've been wrestling with what it means to be a Christian in the world and be relevant. In no way do I claim to have it all together, but these are some of the thoughts I've had as of late. I hope that this kinds of answers your question and doesn't confuse you. Please chew on it a little, and let me know what you think. through the grace of our Lord,
Charlie
(to be continued...)
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*Prayer Requests:
From: Donnlar@aol.com
I have two prayer requests I would like you to pray for. First of all, my grandmother, who lives all by herself in a two story apartment, and is very frail and weak, just had hip replacement surgery. It went very well, praise the Lord, except that, while they were doing x-rays, they found a spot on her lung, that they think might be cancer. Because she has smoked for oh, only about sixty some years, this is very likely to be the case. I know you reap what you sow, but please pray for a miracle, because she will not be able to handle this emotionally, and my parents will have to spend a lot of time and money to care for her. My second request is for my Sunday School teacher, who just got a separation from her husband. He is not saved, and I don't know the details, but they have a ten year old daughter, and she is very unhappy. Please pray for them, and more importantly, his salvation.
Thank you so much!
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From: isaacwheat@juno.com
My two cousins have Cystic Fibrosis. Could you please pray for them?
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From: s009mad@discover.wright.edu
I have a very earnest prayer request. My roommate and friend tried to commit suicide yesterday, by taking a bottle of my medicine. She is now ok, physically, but I would like you all to pray for her that she can overcome this depression. She is a Christian. Also please pray for our house, that we can be supportive and the Holy Spirit will give us discernment in this situation.
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From: draptoti@iafrica.com
My name is Matthew (Matt) and I live in South Africa where, believe it or not, there are many problems in our country that refuse to be solved overnight. God worked miracles here during our local and national elections when political violence threatened to explode like never before; they were the most peaceful times of the year. I don't think that He is quite finished in SA, and we would appreciate it if you would just remember South Africa in your prayers. Thanks! ["Ngiyabonga!" as one would say it in Zulu]
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From: RetroMan7@aol.com
Dear Jars Family -
First of all, I must confess that I don't always read these prayer requests, and I don't always remember to pray for them. So I'll be doubly thankful for any prayers lifted up with regard to the issue I'm about to discuss.
I got a letter tonight from a friend from Mexico. I hadn't heard from her all summer, and to be honest, although I'd thought of her several times, I hadn't really made an effort to reestablish contact. Tonight, with her letter, I understand why she hadn't written. In February 1996, Marta's brother was killed in a car accident. Her family took it pretty hard, especially her father. The family was struggling to deal with the death for months, when yet another tragedy befell them. In July, my friend Marta Chavez's father was kidnapped, and held for ransom. He's nothing special, really, just a man who owns and operates a cattle ranch, a beef packing plant, and a butcher shop. A guy like most of your dads. But he's missing. They paid the ransom immediately, but he has not returned.
Marta's family is Catholic by culture, rather than by faith, but it's taken this tragic time of need for her family to really get interested in God's plan. They've got a lot of anger, a lot of doubt, a lot of questions, and still somehow, a lot of faith.
Please pray for Mr. Chavez, that he may somehow still safely be returned to his family. Pray for his family, Marta, her younger brother and three sisters (one of whom is married to a Jehova's Witness, and lives in Mexico City). She told me that some Christians had been coming by to pray with them for his return, so please pray also that they'll be able to find the right words as they communicate with this family on a more frequent basis.
Thanks for you concern, brothers and sisters!
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From: drnewb@MO.NET
Just a really quick request. I recently got accepted for graduate school in MS. So far, only doors have been opened for me to go there.
I just want you all to pray that God will give me the wisdom to make the right decisions, and the strength to cope with any difficult situations (and also for any doors to be opened or closed).
Thanks a bunch!
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From: sweitzel@iastate.edu
In early January, a member of my church who was well known throughout the community died of cancer. I ask that you please pray for her family and those who were close to her. thanks.
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From: Amymcdem@aol.com
I have felt like God wants me to move into a better church that is more "Godly" than into the church itself. All I am asking for is prayer that I will find a church who will accept me with open arms and concentrate more on God than the actual church building. Also - Back in late February, I asked for prayer about my job in Brentwood TN, as a temp, in hopes that it will become more of a Perm. assignment. Well, to my knowledge, I am still a temp but still at my current job in Brentwood. So, it might lead into a full time position but I don't know. All I am asking is please continue to pray for me at my job in Brentwood.
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From: santiago@vic.com
I would like all JoC fans who will to pray for me, and my girlfriend. She and I have been friends for a year now, and began to date about a week ago. She's really a wonderful person. She's also bipolar, and I believe manic depressive. She's also had a *VERY* hard life (I won't go into the personal details). But alas, she is a unbeliever. She's grown up in church, but she's not "born again," and she admits this. She just does not see any reason to ask God for salvation. Pray for me that I may be a light unto her, and lead her to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Also, pray for me. I am very sick, and I have some sort of virus. I'm on a *LOT* of medication. The side effects of this virus is congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Pray for me that the Lord may deliver me from this illness.
Also, pray for my parents. They have "backslidden" on the Lord, and they need to get "right" with Him. They haven't been "living for Him" as long as I have known them. They may not even be "saved" at all. They claim they are, but they do not act like it. Pray for them.
Thank you, and may God richly bless you!
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ug_11700@books.viterbo.edu
Hello,
A friend of mine, from the class of 1995 died on Saturday January 4th, from a car accident. Please pray for her family, friends who are grieving and that her soul may rest in peace.
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From: aclemen@comp.uark.edu
My boyfriend, Jay, who is also a Christian, is currently going through an extremely stressful time right now. When he broke up with his old girlfriend, she told a bunch of lies about him which eventually led to his being "released" from school. He will go before the judicial board again in January for the chance to come back next semester. I ask that you please pray not only for Jay, but also for the members of our judicial board here at school and for everyone else who is involved in this.
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From: lejesusfreak@juno.com
I have a Christian e-mail list for which I make a newsletter. Satan has tried to interfere with it. I need advice and prayer on this matter. Thanks a lot. Because He lives,
Landon Estay
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From: Ink.Well31@aol.com
I have two prayer requests that I'd like to share. The first one is for a friend of mine. His name is a Benton, and his father just died. He was sick for two years with cancer. Everybody loved Benton's dad, he was at all the basketball games, and always had a smile, and a kind word. It's difficult when a loved one dies when you're only 17, but three weeks before Christmas might do a lot of damage. I'm just asking everyone to pray that this strengthens Benton's faith.
The second request is a second hand story. A softball player from TX was in a bad car accident two weeks before Thanksgiving. The player's name is Jessica Hansen, she's 17. She was in a coma, but is waking up very slowly. The Coach Lynda Sellers seems to be a Christian, she asked us for her prayers, and gave thanks to God when she told me Jess was waking up. I'm asking 2 things for Jessica. Continued prayer, and letters, please send letters to "LSellers@aol.com", or to me "Ink Well31@aol.com", and I'll make sure Coach Sellers gets them. Thank You
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From: SavedStar@aol.com
Hello, everyone! I just have a quick prayer request.....I recently moved to Nashville from Florida upon the basis of nothing but faith -- a strong inclination to follow where the Lord had instructed me to go. Once here, certain circumstances occurred that completely shattered any plans that I had for college this year and, consequently, a dorm room and a place to stay. Fortunately, I have miraculously found myself surrounded by wonderful, supportive friends (despite having known virtually no one when I moved up here), and have finally found a roommate. However, I'm still looking for a job......that's the first prayer request, I suppose, as it's as important as anything else at this point. My major need, though, is prayer for direction. I sing, and love the music business, but at this point, am patiently waiting for the Lord to once again reveal a bit more of his plan for me. I am certain that things will work out, but prayer is ALWAYS welcome..... I appreciate anyone who would take the time to remember me. Thanks!
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From: CAFARRIS@ruby.ncbc.edu
I want to thank everyone who has been praying for God's direction in my life. I have a clearer picture of what God wants me to do with my life. I am graduating next spring (1998) with my degree in journalism.
If you would, pray about my summer internship. There is an internship that I would really like in Nashville (I live in Minneapolis, MN), and I will find out in March whether I will be interning there. I would appreciate your prayers, and God bless you all!
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