The Official Monthly Jars of Clay Email News Digest
5/26/97
5,332 Subscribers
web site: http://www.jarsofclay.com
CONTENTS:
*Much Afraid Update
*Tour Update
*Concert Review: 4/26/97 ICHTHUS Festival, Wilmore, KY
*Jars Trivia
*Jars Survey
*Prayer Requests
*Article: "Jars Have Secular Appeal"
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*Much Afraid Update:
The jars are presently in London mixing the new album with producer Steve Lipson and are very happy with it! The only other details that have been hinted at to the press are below. Everything else remains a secret but you will first hear all the details from the website and Earthen Vessels!
Artists Comments Backstage at Dove Awards:
GMA Report Courtesy of Barry Smades, Prodigy Christian Newsrep: sent to The Lighthouse Electronic Magazine April 25, 1997
Jars of Clay - "The new album we are working on is the "fear of faith" mentality. We do more things out of fear instead of out of love. We talk about the need to do things from love.
"As a group, we've gotten a lot closer because of what is going on. I don't know how a lot of solo artists do this because I lean on these guys.
"For every one person who says they don't like what we do (going to the world), we have 1000 that say they believe in us and are praying for us. We are on our knees before and after these concerts at the controversial locations. He calls us there and puts us there.
"What we need from everyone is prayer. As we step back and look at life, we are one body with many different parts. There are as many people who are in the church doing the Lord's will there and he has called us to go to other places as well.
"There is a place where the Word and the world collide and there are fireworks and sparks. We know that and we understand that some people won't understand. We've seen the change in a club where the Lord has allowed us to play. We see the transformation of the club from the beginning of the concert to the end.
"The next album is a risky album as we try to show people where we are in our lives. As much as we can, we are trying to be conscious of the unreality of the situation. We want to be realistic about what we are to people with Christ in us."
(From the following URL: http://tlem.netcentral.net/news/9704/gma9.html)
"Five Candles", (now titled "The Wish") which was supposed to be on the Liar Liar soundtrack, was added to the album after all. It is slightly more radio-oriented and adult pop-oriented but fit on the album better than they initially expected.
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*Tour Updates: Please remember to call the concert hotline for the most up to date information including phone numbers for tickets: 615-361-0444
May:
30- Perry, Ia Hotel Pattee
June:
6-10- San Juan, PR Show and Retreat
19- Atlanta, GA AtlantaFest, 6 Flags
21- Canal Fulton, OH Clay's Park
22- Rochester, NY Roberts Wesleyan College, RCS Benefit Show
25- Los Angeles, CA DC/LA
26- Shirleysburg, PA Creation
July:
5- Marietta, Il Cornerstone
10- Wilmar, MN Sonshine
11- Rockford, Il Midway Theater
12- Cincinnati, OH King's Island
13- Ft. Wayne, IN Three River Festival
16- Washington, DC DC/LA>br> 17- VanCouver, WA Jesus Northwest
21- Costa Mesa, CA Orange Co. Fair
23- Santa Rosa, CA Theater
27- Denton, TX Youth Show
30- Estes Park, CO Arts Seminar
August:
1- Monterey, CA Monterey Festival
8- Family Bookstore Convention TBA, Tentative
9- Ames, IA Festival X
15- Adrian, MI Lewanee Fair
16- Clio, MI Amphitheater
20- Buffalo, NY Darian Lakes
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*Concert Review: 4/26/97 ICHTHUS Festival, Wilmore, KY
From: fwood@skn.net
This was my first time ever to see Jars, and it was a great first time! They opened up with a song which no one knew, but everyone was screaming anyway. "Like a Child" followed, with almost the whole 14,000+ crowd singing along. Next came "Boy on a String," and the audience was jumping with the band. Their next pick was "Blind," and Dan's passionate vocals along with the tight harmonies and great musicianship, PLUS the insightful lyrics were terrific!
Three stools were now brought out, but the guys did not make the usual jokes about needing to rest because they are getting old, etc. Matt did the cappucino machine imitation, leaving us thinking of a nice, steaming mug full. (It was cold out there.) So that was a great lead-in to "Good Coffee, Strong Coffee," and Dan mentioned how this was the beverage that helped them throught their (partial) college education. I had not heard this song before, and found it hilarious -- I hate coffee, but I love the song! Then came a love song with Matt, Dan, and Steve still sitting down. It was called "We'll Fly Farther". The song told a story, about a couple who were in love, got married, and they stayed together for 50+ years until death, even though they had hard times. It was really beautiful art. Not yet off the stools, they did "Worlds Apart" to finish the acoustic set.
Next came a rousing "Liquid," and they continued to rock right through two more new songs, leaving us just a taste of the new album. By the way, I don't think there should be any problem of it not measuring up to their debut! Fade to Grey flowed easily into "Flood," (have you guys gotten sick of playing that yet?) and the crowd was wild. Probably everyone there was singing along, and Dan held the mike out to us on the chorus . . . . When "Flood" ended they left, but the crowd was not ready to leave, so they came back, amidst cries of "We love you" from groupies and screams from the crowd in general. Dan talked about their name, and 2 Corinthians 4:7, and they sang "Love Song for a Savior." If I thought 14,000 people singing "Flood" was cool, 14,000 people singing "I want to fall in love with you" did not even compare! (This must be what heaven is going to be like . . .) The guys closed up with 4:7.
After the concert I went to meet the band, and they definetely live what they say on stage. They were extremely nice and down to earth, also slight goofballs. :-) I could tell that they are really close and truly care about each other (I guess they'd have to; they live together).
To the guys: I don't know if you'll read this, but you guys are really making an impact on people, and I pray every day that God will bless you and that he will help you be accountable and, as they say, "walk the talk." Keep up the good work, hurry with that new album, and don't let each other get big heads! :-)
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*Jars Trivia Anyone???
From: Libbyp3@aol.com
With the Earthen Vessels closing in on it's second anniversary, it might be neat to recap some Jar Fun Facts! Longtime subscribers may find it so elemental, but if you don't really mind (cause you're just wasting time), this Jars of Clay trivia challenge may be for You! All answers can be found at the Jars of Clay websites, E.V. back issues, on the CD-Rom, articles, interviews, etc.
Don't play the doubting Thomas and talk yourself out of believing! YOU CAN DO THIS, but preferably not on a sleepy Sunday safe within the walls. If you correctly complete these questions, you may find your name chiseled on the mysterious Adobe Crock overflowing with good coffee, strong coffee and effervescent faith like a child.
Turning endless pages of this tragedy, avid acoustic archeologists have delved deep to document the correct responses. You may ask, why should I buy that? Well that's your prerogative, but they can play a pretty convincing role! Oh, it's not hard to know what you're thinking. If while tackling these questions, your frustrations fill the void that you can't soley bear, and like Icharus you collide, you have experienced major Vessel block! Take heart! Calm the storms that drench your eyes, but don't try to reach me! The answers will be posted in the next E.V. in no simple language, so you won't remain in spinning, twisted, ignorant bliss!
But until that day.......
1. List (in order) the Jars songs lyrically referred to in the above paragraphs?
2. What Jars song challenges the Christian to constantly file for permanent spiritual bankruptcy?
3. If compared to the Beatles, which Jar would be Ringo?
4. How old was Matt when he started playing guitar?
5. In what category was Jars nominated for a Grammy in 1996?
6. What Jars' song draws inspiration from Tonto's friend?
7. What magazine does Steve collect?
8. Where did Jars meet Scott Savage and Aaron Sands?
9. Which of Jars' favorite authors wrote this concerning their musical impact: "it still is one of the most significant developments in contemporary Christian music in the last 25 years?"
10. How long did it take for Jars to write Worlds Apart?
11. Who produced Rose Colored Stained Glass Windows on the Petra tribute album?
12. Which Jar has to go to bed earliest?
13. Name another instrument (besides keys) Charlie played in High School?
14. Who can whip Jars in ping-pong?
15. What song did Jars co-write with Three Crosses?
16. What album did Dan co-produce?
17. To what yummy dessert has Matt likened Jars musical direction?
18. What was the first album Charlie ever bought?
19. What is colder than the night?
20. Who's wife did Matt and Charlie particularly enjoy meeting?
21. What Jars' song is Steve explaining, "Many have heard the message but chose not to believe?"
22. What two Jars have been photographed wearing glasses?
23. Who was the original owner of Jars' first tour bus?
24. What charitable organization is Jars committed to and proud to support?
25. Who is from the Soybean City?
26. What cartoon has Jars enjoyed watching?
27. On the CD-Rom, where can you see Matt Bronlewee playing guitar with Jars? 28. What song does Romans 8:39 reflect?
29. Of what relation to Jars is Tim Smith, Jars' drummer on their debut?
30. Where did Dan work for only 2 days?
31. In 1996, what Dove Awards did Jars take home?
32. Who is "Little Sav" and what is his claim(s) to fame?
33. Which Jars attended a song writing conference at Sting's castle in Paris?
34. What historic event happened for Jars on September 4, 1996?
35. What Jars' song is Dan discussing ".... God actually sculpts us and puts us together and allows us to fall on Him?"
36. Who were Matt's role models growing up?
37. What two soap operas has Flood aired on?
38. Who co-wrote with Sarah Jahn her song Brand New Name?
39. What have Charlie and Dan been known to do in their spare time while on tour?
40. Who has the loudest laugh at the intro to Boy on a String?
41. What Jars song draws inspiration from Hebrews 11:1?
42. Where (what city) was the second Flood video shot and who produced it?
43. Which Jar said "I think we just learned how to go from living in a dorm to living on a bus?"
44. Which Jar has a questionable appreciation for chocolate chip pancakes?
45. What makes the light as it comes from within so dim?
46. What is Charlie's favorite song on the debut album?
47. Name three authors that have greatly influenced Jars lyrically?
48. Who said "Spiritually, I've already gotten a new sense of how God works in a creative atmosphere and just hope-along the way- to get another small glimpse of who He is?" (great quote)
49. Who put Dawn dish detergent in the dishwasher?
50. "For all the things I should have said, Now you're gone and I am here alone, ____ _________".
51. (Challenge question) What song did Jars perform on Conan O'Brien, CBS This Morning, and Crook and Chase???
52. (Double Challenge) What color hair does Aaron have?
All interested subscribers, Please send your answers (numbered 1- 52) to Libbyp3@aol.com. You will receive a (just for fun) JARSMART ranking based on the number of your correct responses as compared to other participants!! The documented answers will be given in the next Earthen Vessels Newsletter! There will be a drawing for those with the highest ranking to win some (as yet undisclosed) Jars-related item. (Warning: it won't be the ultra-rare Frail cd, sorry).
GOOD LUCK!
This is the select JARSMART I.Q. (Impassioned Quartet) ranking scale:
From Best to Worse (1--10)
# 1 "Earth"shaking :-@
# 2 "Urn"believable :-O
# 3 "Jarrific" :*)
# 4 Adequate with mild ex"clay"mation :-]
# 5 Indecisive, showing signs of "vessel"ation :-\
# 6 "Mudiocre" :-#
# 7 "Pot"entially puny :~/
# 8 Half-baked :-c
# 9 "Terra" ble \-o
#10 Sad, unw"earthy" of mention :'-(
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*Jars Survey: Please send all answers and opinions to: bruce-peggi@centuryinter.net NOT to the Earthpots@aol.com address! Thanks.
1. What is your favorite Jars song?
2. Did you like the Coca-cola jingle that they did for christmas?
3. What artist or group would you like to see the jars on tour with?
4. What is you favorite piece of Jars Mechandise?
5. What sort of place would you pick for the Jars to do a video in?
6. What is you favorite part of their web sight?
7. Who is your favorite band member?
8. What Jars song inspires you the most to a closer walk with Christ?
9. What Jars song has your favorite lryics?
10. Do you think that the Jars put on a good live show?
11. How many times have you seen the jars in concert?
Note: This is not a survey for the band, management or website - a subscriber wanted to volunteer time to do this, so if anyone is interested, please fill in answers for the above questions and send them to: bruce-peggi@centuryinter.net
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*Prayer Requests:
From: purplemarkers@juno.com
Howdy joc fans. A very close friend of mines having a hard time. His sister, Michele, has Crones disease. She has had some surgery & is doing better. The long term effects may be the worst. She is married with 2 children. If you could add her to your prayer list it would be just dandy. thanks. zec 8:21-22
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From: da_kine@hotmail.com
Could you please pray for my real good friend who just came out and admitted she is anorexic? She is in very sad shape and possibly is suicidal. Could you please pray that she'll get professional help and be able to overcome this?
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From: drnewb@mail.mo.net
My mother goes in to have a hysterectomy in a week. I also am applying for a graduate assistantsip for grad. school in the Fall. It would really come in handy, y'know.
Thanks.
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From: rom83139@juno.com
Hey guys,
I would ask that you pray for my best friend's family back in my hometown; his dad, who is diabetic, had a leg amputated from the knee down a few weeks back, and since he's a farmer, life is going to be pretty hard for them for a while. If you could keep them in your prayers I would really appreciate it, as I want to do something to help them but distance prevents that from happening. Thanks!
In Christ's Peace!
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From: Thirday@aol.com
I have not been keeping up with my quiet times like I should...please pray that I will devote more time to God. Also, I am in the midst of writing a praise and worship song, I pray for God's will on that, too.
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From: piano@borg.com
My prayer request is for the Associate Pastor in my church. His name is Pastor Sherman. Late last year, he found out that he had leukemia. He went through chemotherapy, and the cancer went away. A couple of months ago, the doctors found out that it was back. He went back down to Virginia for treatment, and is still there. There are a number of things that he needs prayer for, so I'll list them.
1) He has a nodule on his lungs, and the doctors are planning on performing lung surgery. Please pray that the nodule would go away.
2) Pray that the white blod cell count will stay down where it's supposed to.
3) Pray that he would stay well enough for the bone marrow transplant.
4) Pray for continual strength for his family.
Please send this on to everyone you can think of. Thank you, and God bless!
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From: rmedos@icis.on.ca
I have a desperate need for anyone and everyone's prayers. My best friend's brother was involved in a car accident on April 19. He blacked out at the wheel of his truck and hit another car, killing an elderly woman and injuring another passenger. Not only is he waiting for the results of a cat-scan to find out why he blacked out, but he is no doubt suffering from the worst guilt anyone could ever have. To be responsible for a death must be so devastating, and I know he doesn't live a spiritual life and therefore hasn't asked the Lord to help him shoulder his burden. Please pray for him, his pain, and perhaps that he might seek God through this. Also please pray for the woman who was killed, as well as her family that they might be able to forgive. Thank you.
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From: Usjov93@aol.com
This is Nikki from SLO, CA again. A brief update on my dad: the chemotherapy is really working him and he is not doing well. He is really bloated and having a hard time breathing because there is water on his lungs. Part of this stems from him not wanting to eat, but his attitude has taken a nose dive. My mom is doing okay, but it is definitely rough. Thank you to everyone who is praying! God is a God of miracles even if it doesn't happen to my dad.
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From: atgeir@reborn.com (Kurt Kristian Lyngholm)
I'm Norwegian and I subscribe to your newsletter. It's good! :-) My prayer request is for my sister and my mother. My mother has diabetes, and my sister probably has something called chronic fatigue syndrome. She suffers a lot, and has aches all over her body. I ask all you who read this to pray for their healing. I K N O W God can do miracles, and He has already hinted something about my sister.
Thanks for your concern!
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From: reyah@hotmail.com
my friends just got into a wreck with a guy on a motorcycle. he was seriously injured and it was emotionally traumatic for my friends. will you please pray for them?
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From: thecommonground@hotmail.com
i was wondering if y'all could pray for me. i am really needing it right now. i am dealing with some major fear among other things.
to explain a little:
late last friday night, when my folks were gone, my dog started barking and growling fiercely at the back windows and door. this went on (off and on) for about a half hour. well, the next morning, our neighbors were broken into and robbed. a couple days later, a couple four miles down the road were murdered in a gang related break-in (the killers were boys and girls around 14-16 years).
now, i live in the country, so there aren't many houses in a four mile stretch . . . and while i am glad my dad is taking me out for more target practice, his urgency and tone when he announced this has strengthened my fears.
last nite before i went to bed, i read psalms 91 again. i almost cried. God is such an awesome God . . . i went to bed peaceful. but that night i had one of the most diabolically evil dreams i have ever had. certain images from this dream seem to have been imbedded into my mind and the feelings i had in this dream (anger, helplessness, hopelessness, fear, wanting to scream at the insanity of it all) keep coming back. i am having trouble focussing . . .
please, please pray that i can overcome this. i know i cannot on my own strength . . .
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From: anonymous
There's a girl that I used to date... we broke up a few months ago but we still stayed very close. Lately she's been having some family problems. Her step-dad is a causing trouble. Anyway, I'm very worried about her. She's been very depressed lately and she's always crying. Everyone, please keep her in your prayers. Thanks.
-anonymous
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*Article: "Jars Have Secular Appeal"
The Augusta Chronicle: Applause!: December 27, 1996
By: Lori Wiechman, Staff Writer
Having played nearly 300 concerts since the release of their self-titled album in 1995, one performance tops all others for Jars of Clay: a pop radio festival.
At that concert in Boston, the Christian rock band followed Joan Osborne and opened for Seal.
"It was neat to play kind of in the middle of such really big performers that we respect, and to be included in that whole event was an honor for us," said keyboardist Charlie Lowell.
Jars of Clay is not your typical Christian band. Since the 1995 debut of its CD, the group has caused waves in the music industry by playing God rock that has been received well on secular radio stations.
On Saturday, the quartet (whose name comes from 2 Corinthians 4:7) performs at the Imperial Theatre. The show will feature tunes from the self-titled release and new songs the band expects to record in early 1997.
One new tune is Blame, written by vocalist Dan Haseltine. "It's kind of a song saying, 'What's the point of putting the effort into what we're doing if there's not love in our hearts when we do it?" Mr. Lowell said. "If we don't love what we're doing and if we're not doing it with love, is it really worth it for us to do this?'"
The question is one members struggled with during a tiresome summer and fall tour that led to rumors of a breakup.
The rumors, band members say, are untrue.
Instead, they've tried to reevaluate why they're performing and making music - to let people know about God's love and how Christians can portray it. That goal is the focus of most of their lyrics, such as the tunes Love Song for a Savior, He, and Like a Child. It's an odd focus for a group once described as an "interesting blend of music, a cross between Pearl Jam, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Janet Jackson."
The group formed in 1993 when Mr. Lowell, Mr. Haseltine and bassist Steve Mason met at Illinois' Greenville College. They were later joined by guitarist Matt Odmark in the studio.
With their acoustic, alternative Christian pop, Jars joined DC Talk and Newsboys in gaining secular as well as Christian audiences. Their fans, who can communicate with the group via their Internet site, have named themselves "Potheads," and Jars' music can be heard on a new Coke commercial on radio.
Their self-titled album earned a 1995 Grammy nomination, and the chart-topping song, Flood, was produced by Adrian Belew, who worked with '70s progressive rock giants David Bowie and King Crimson.
Jars' new release will have a bit more electric guitar, but the sound will be similar to its debut, Mr. Lowell said. Like many quick-to-stardom bands, such as Columbia-based Hootie and the Blowfish, the guys in Jars created the songs on their debut while in college, writing in a pressure-free environment for themselves, friends and family.
The pressure is on for their sophomore effort. "So now (people are saying), 'You know, you've got a platinum record, and what are you going to say to the world that's going to buy your next album?'" Mr. Lowell said.
The Jars hope that by writing for themselves they'll continue to connect with listeners. "I think that's where we hope we'll be able to write from and to just continue searching what's going on in our hearts and what we're feeling and putting that into words," he said. "And hopefully, different people, whether Christians or non-Christians, can hear a song and take something from it."
The group also has drawn criticism from Christians for allowing secular groups to open their concerts.
"I don't think we have an agenda to do that, and it's kind of happened. The key word is, bridge, and that's what's happening, even between Christianity and the culture, I think," Mr. Lowell said.
"We would love to be - some form of role model or representative of Christianity within our culture."
If that's the criticism, they'll take the blame.
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EV Back issues are available at:
http://www.jarsofclay.com/mailinglist/ev.html