Jars of Clay FAQ
****************************************************************************
* *
* EARTHEN VESSELS -- THE JARS OF CLAY NEWSLETTER *
* *
****************************************************************************
* *
* BACK ISSUES COURTESY OF ANDY LOWELL, EDITOR *
* *
****************************************************************************
* *
* EARTHEN VESSELS IS PUBLISHED VIA E-MAIL ONLY AND IS AVAILABLE FREE OF *
* CHARGE VIA THE INTERNET BY E-MAILING EARTHPOTS@AOL.COM AND REQUESTING *
* YOUR SUBSCRIPTION *
* *
****************************************************************************
Welcome to the Jars of Clay FAQ! The purpose of this FAQ is to provide some
basic background
information about Jars and their music. Hopefully, this will prevent these
questions from being asked over and over again by new subscribers to the
list, which can be irritating for other readers who have seen the answers
before.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email. Thanks!
Andy Lowell (earthpots@aol.com)
CONTENTS:
0. General Information on this FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) list:
0.1 Where can I find the latest version of this list?
0.2 Copyright issues
1. E-mail server and ftp questions:
1.1 What is Earthen Vessels newsletter?
1.2 How do I subscribe/unsubscribe to the Earthen Vessels newsletter?
1.3 Is there a www home page site on the web? How do I get there?
1.4 How do I post a message to the newsletter?
1.5 Can I request back issues from the mailing list?
1.6 How often is the newsletter issued?
2. General Jars of Clay information:
2.1 Who are they?!
2.2 Where are they from?
2.3 How can I contact the band?
2.4 What albums do they have?
2.5 How can I get these albums?
2.6 Where can I get tour information?
3. Specific frequently asked questions:
3.1 Lyrical questions
3.2 Musical questions
3.3 Record Company questions
3.4 Band member questions
3.5 Who have they toured with?
3.6 What is the significance of the name "Jars of Clay"?
3.7 Memorabilia available
3.8 Who are the support personnel for the band?
3.9 What articles have been published on the band?
START FAQ ---START FAQ --- START FAQ --- START FAQ --- START FAQ ---
0.1 Where can I find the latest version of this list?
You can email earthpots@aol.com for the latest version, or look in
alt.music.christian on the internet newsgroups, where it will be posted every
couple months. The FAQ and all back issues of the newsletter will be kept at
the www home page site, which is: http://www.grfn.org/~qwerty/ev
Also, it will occasionally be posted in the Jars folder on AOL.
0.2 Copyright issues:
The material in this FAQ and in any of the newsletter issues may be legally
copied (with permission from myself or the artists described herein) to any
folder, world wide web site, or place on internet that is consistent with
it's contents.
1. E-mail server and ftp questions:
1.1 What is Earthen Vessels newsletter?
This newsletter is an unofficial publication (but an official newsletter,
endorsed by the members of Jars of Clay) that is issued whenever enough new
material is available to release it. This usually occurs within 2-4 weeks.
1.2 How do I subscribe to the Earthen Vessels newsletter?
Send mail to earthpots@aol.com and simply ask to be subscribed. I'm human, so
you can talk to me! (There is no computer that is set up to take your
subscriptions) To unsubscribe, simply ask, as above. Please let me know when
you will terminate an account, so my mail to you does not bounce when you
close the account.
1.3 Is there a www home page site for Jars?
Yes! :) We just started work on a site, it includes all back issues and the
FAQ now, and will include much more in the near future. There will hopefully
be unreleased video and picture footage there for you to download, and
possibly some other exciting stuff as well. Feel free to send anything for
inclusion at the site! The site address is:
http://www.grfn.org/~qwerty/jarsofclay
1.4 How do I post a message to the newsletter?
Any messages that you wish to be included should be sent to
earthpots@aol.com. Please specify that you'd like to include them in the
next newsletter. All material is subject to editing or exclusion if
inappropriate. We are also always looking for any local news articles,
interviews,
etc. you have found, so please help us and send a photocopy if you find
something you think we may not have access to! :) We will promptly reply by
sending you something neat in exchange! You may send anything on Jars to the
following snail mail address: ( I will be happy to type anything from what
you send for the newsletter):
Andy Lowell
589 Hartford Rd.
Box 186
New Britain, CT 06053
1.5 Can I request back issues from the mailing list?
The preferred method is for you to download them from the www site listed
above. All back issues are kept there so that we won't have to pay for time
to upload them all and send them numerous times. If you can't seem to get
them from there or get to the site,
you may request back issues, but please be patient, as I will write down your
request and wait until enough people email me to send out the back issues.
They will usually go out every couple of weeks. If you don't hear from me by
then feel free to remind me again!
2. General Jars of Clay information:
2.1 Who are they?!
Jars of Clay consist of:
Dan Haseltine - Lead vocals
Steve Mason - guitar, bass, background vocals
Matt Odmark - guitar, background vocals
Charlie Lowell - synthesizer, organ, piano, background vocals
and Scott Savage - drums & percussion for live shows
2.2 Where are they from?
Dan, Steve and Charlie met at Greenville College. Originally, Charlie and
Matt are from Rochester, NY. Dan is from Winter Springs, FL and Steve is
from Decauter, IL. (The member that quit just after they formed (a guitarist)
was named Matt Bronlewee and came from Kansas City.) They all currently live
in Nashville, TN.
2.3 How can I contact the band?
The guys can be reached at clayjars@aol.com, or at their individual screen
names:
plumbersc@aol.com (Dan)
Odie74@aol.com (Matt)
pdljmpr7@aol.com (Charlie)
Snack75@aol.com (Steve)
PeepnTrtl@aol.com (Scott)
You may also contact Jars through their snail mail address:
Jars of Clay
P.O. Box 271204
Nashville, TN 37227
2.4 What albums do they have?
Jars of Clay currently have one debut release on Essential Records (of
Brentwood Music) and one demo independent release that was entitled Frail.
There were 15,000 printed and sold. Many were given to record companies
during the search for the right one! There are also plans for a CD-Rom to be
released early 1996 and a Christmas EP single with 3 songs to be released in
late October.
2.5 How can I get these albums?
The debut album on Essential can be found "where all fine Christian music is
sold". They may be temporarily out of stock, as more albums were bought than
expected in the first few months. As for the demo cd, Frail, it may be a
challenge to find even a copy of, but don't give up hope! :) Actually, all
but one song ended up on the debut release, so all you're missing out on is
different versions of songs you already know.
2.6 Where can I get tour information?
Email earthpots@aol.com anytime to retrieve the latest tour information. I
will try to keep as many details as possible, but you may have to do some
searching on where exactly the concert is in your town. I will provide
whatever possible.
3. Specific frequently asked questions:
3.1 Lyrical questions
~What are the lyrics for the song that is performed live but didn't make it
onto the Essential Records release? This song is called "Fade to Grey" and
the lyrics are:
Oh it's not hard to know what you're thinking
as you look down on me now
Your trance of love is seeking
to turn this world around
But in this state of blind confusion
No god can pull me out
Then I see Your love is willing
to turn me inside out
Then I see you there with your arms open wide and you're trying to embrace me
These lonely tears I cry they keep me in chains and I wish they'd release me
Cold is the night but colder still is the heart made of stone turned from
clay
And if you follow me you'd see all the black, all the white fade to grey
Spinning twisted ignorant bliss
falling farther out of grace
crawling closer to the dust
won't you save me from myself
~What is the gregorian chant in Liquid? Where is it from and what is the
translation?
The answers to this are answered by Charlie in a segment from the Jars AOL
folder:
"Basically, we had a tape from the library full of traditional Gregorian
Chants and we sampled a small portion of a chant and took it to the studio.
When we slowed it down to the key of "liquid," (Eb minor) it just fit
perfectly, so we left it there! That's about it- Divine Intervention, some
would say!? As to what the chant is saying, we don't know (something in
Latin...), but if anyone finds out and can prove it, we'll award you!
Here's what we think they're saying: "Are you sleeping little lamb? Please
don't, please don't step on me!" :)"
Any takers?
~ What is "four seven" in the album credits?
four seven is the two minute song that appears a few minutes after "Blind,"
the last track. It is titled after the scripture it is taken directly from
2nd Corinthians four seven. The lyrics are:
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
To show that this power is from God,
and not from us."
3.2 Musical questions and album questions:
~How do they pull it off live?
Since there are not enough musicians in the band to cover all the extra
instrumentation on the album tracks (strings, woodwinds, chants, children,
etc.),
a few of the songs have DAT tracks from
the studio sessions which are used to back up the guys in concert. This is in
no way like the Milli Vanilli style....all
guitars, keyboards, vocals and drums (except some samples) are live. If they
ever
have enough to pay people, they would probably take extra instrumentalists on
the road with them. For now it is rather impractical for them.
~What is the significance of "Truck" and the picture of the truck?
"Truck" was printed by the manufacturer's although they weren't told to
print
this. On the proof cd, the guys thought it looked artistic and although
there
is no purpose to the word, thought they'd keep it. The picture was taken on
one of their photo shoots when they came upon an abandoned truck and
thought
it might make a good picture. They were thinking of having a contest to see
who could come up with the best meaning for it...any takers? Not that I
have
many prizes I could give out! My thought was that the Truck could symbolize
a
jar in a way (are you lost yet?). This could be a valid interpretation
because the truck is man-made (like a jar), broken and rundown (like we get
sometimes, this is a theme on the album) and has LIFE growing in it! There
are plants growing in the back of it which can symbolize the life that
grows
in us despite the hardships and being broken. That's the best I can come up
with, any other ideas or comments are welcome!!
3.3 Record Company questions
~What label are they on?
Jars are on Essential Records, a division of Brentwood Music, the largest
Christian music producer/distributor (I believe) owned by the secular Zema
Records. This leaves a possibility for secular distribution, which would
increase the bounds of their ministry. They are very happy with Essential and
are bound by contract for a number of albums.
(GEN-X COMMUNICATIONS ADDENDUM: THE CORRECT NAME OF BRENTWOOD MUSIC'S
PARENT COMPANY IS "ZOMBA"...)
~Are they happy with the promotion & production of the first album?
Yes! Here's a quote from the new "7-Ball" magazine article on the guys (Dan
speaking):
"It seemed like Essential was willing to give us a lot of creative
control.
They were a smaller label, so they would give us a lot more focus and put
a
lot more time into us. And the people at the label were just incredible,
we
were just feeling like it was a family, in a sense." And from Matt: "The
further we got along in negotiations, the more we couldn't imagine going
anyplace else. It just felt like home to us really quickly."
3.4 Band member biographies:
Dan Paul Haseltine: age 22, birthday 1/12/73, from Winter Springs, FL
hobbies: reading, writing, cooking, drawing, finding new uses for Ramen
noodles!
Matt Odmark: age 21, birthday 1/25/74, from Rochester, NY
hobbies: skiing, photography, oragami, j-walking, & multi-weapon nuclear
assault tactics! :)
Steve Mason: age 20, birthday 7/8/75, from Decatur, IL
hobbies: travel, writing letters, music, music & more music, collects
"Etude" magazines dating back to 1920's, and Winnie the Pooh/Curious
George stuff.
Charlie Lowell: age 21, birthday 10/21/73, from Rochester, NY
hobbies: writing letters, drinking gourmet coffee, playing solitaire,
"trying to serve".
3.5 Who have they toured with?
Jars have toured with PFR and Brent Bourgeouis quite extensively (a
three month tour in the spring of 1995 and also three months in the
fall of 1995 with PFR) and they seem to get along great with each other. Jars
have also opened for Sixpence none the richer (at Rocketown and 2 shows
in IL), Audio Adrenalin (one show in FL), Steven Curtis Chapman (one date
in Missouri I think) and Johnny Q.Public and The Waiting (two dates in
IL). I believe they were the headliners at the Johnny Q.Public shows. They
played a date August 9th of '95 with IAN, and will be doing one with Geoff
Moore on Sept. 9th of '95. Also, they will be opening for Michael W. Smith
nightly
on the 1996 World Tour.
3.6 What is the significance of the name "Jars of Clay"?
The name Jars of Clay comes from II Cor. 4:7, which says, "But we have this
treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God
and not from us". This verse refers to the frailty of our humanity and our
material bodies on earth and the fact that God Himself has given us life
and souls eternal. Also that we should be humbled and God should be given
the ultimate thanks for this treasure. This verse is the lyric of "four
seven", the hidden track
after Blind on the debut Essential release. There are many things that can
be
said about this passage. Don't forget to look it up in its context in the
Bible, there are many other things to be learned from this exposition.
Another basic theme is that we are hard-pressed on every side but not broken,
and God will test us in amazing ways, but will not let us be harmed from His
saving grace. The testing will help us to mature as Christians!
3.7 Memorabilia available
Due to the many questions I've had about finding Jars memoriblia, here is
a
quick listing of what they have available at their live shows. There is not
currently a mail order system, so you must purchase these at live shows or
have someone who is going purchase them for you. Here's what's out:
Shirt #1: Album cover front, tour dates with PFR, back (white) $15 sold out!
Shirt #2: Jars of Clay written with Jar on front, II Cor. 4:7 on back (earthy
offwhite color) $15 (OUT)
Shirt #3: Maroon with front print only, "jars of clay", "of" in a star in
the middle, with jars and clay written overtop of each other.
Shirt #4: Dark Blue shirt with "JA*RS" written on front in yellow (* = a
star) and a yellow star on the back with II Cor. 4:7 in it.
Shirt #5: White shirt with the puppet boy on the front, "jars of clay"
written on back in red.
Shirt #6: Green shirt with the same logos as above.
Caps: white with Green Jar embroidered, or Green with white Jar embroidered.
$10 or so. (OUT)
Cap #2: New summer '95 with the puppet boy on front and "jars of clay"
written on back. Blue corduroy.
Cap #3: Same as above, but with Green corduroy.
Poster: This is the promo picture of Jars standing/crouching in the old house
with peices of broken jars on the floor. $5
Poster #2: small promo poster that says "choice of a new generation" and has
a Jar on a white background. $2 (OUT)
CD's available at all live shows for $13. Tapes for $10 each. (beats
bookstore prices!)
8 x 12 promo picture, there have been 5 different ones, usually 2 at a time,
$2 each.
Stickers: White with the jar puppet boy on them and jars of clay written
above it. $3.
3.8 Which other instrumentalists played on the debut release?
Adrian Belew - Bass, cello and mandolin
Noah Evans - violin
John Catchings - mandolin and fiddle
Sam Levine - recorder
Craig Nelson - bass
Bob Manson - cello
Jim Grosjean - viola
Carl Gorodetsky - violin
Pam Sixfin - violin
Marrianne Osiel - oboe
Mancy Alan Kane - female vocals
Noah Evans and Ron Huff - string arrangements
3.9 What articles have been published on the band?
I'm currently trying to form a list of magazines the guys have been in. If
anyone can help make additions to this list, it'd be very much appreciated!
:) And, I would be very happy to trade photocopies of them for the ones I've
found, then transcribe them for the newsletter. Here's what I have found
(with much help!) so far:
( * denotes a full page (picture, ad or article), ** denotes 2 pages, etc.
Also, "~" denotes a new issue or magazine, listings of articles will follow)
~CCM July '95: ad*, On the Beat p.13, Mud picture p.16, In Concert w/ PFR p.
75 w/ picture of all the guys together.*
~CCM June '95: On the Beat p.24, album review p.66.
~CCM May '95: Walking a Tightrope p.6, Faces to Watch* p.32, ad* p.85, Making
Contact (their address) p.92.
~CCM July '94: On the Beat (Unsigned/Indies): GMA Spotlight winners
~CCM Update 9 (18): 5/8/95: CHR chart
~CCM Update 9 (19): 5/15/95 CHR charts
~CCM Update 9 (20): 5/22/95 CHR charts
~CCM Update 9 (22): 6/5/95 ad* back page w/ picture & comments, Charts: CHR,
Top Albums, Most adds Rock (#1), Rock charts, Out and About (re:CD-Rom).
(Please note: these are the only CCM updates I've been able to obtain, they
are probably in many more issues as well so it's not complete)
~CCM Update 5/23/94 p.6 "Gallery", picture.
~Performance:24 (51): 4/21/95: Spotlight**** article, pull-out 4 color pages
+ picture on front cover.
~Release: May/June '95: ad* p.53, picture p.54.
~Shout Summer '95, ad*, free compilation cd ad from shout & Z-tv
~Bookstore Journal May '95: picture p.34, album review p.132.
~Christian Retailing 4/25/95: Music News p.28 (New Artist Profile).
~Christian Retailing 6/25/95: p.? album review. (see below for review!)
~New Music Guide Spring '95: Interview w/ Charlie Lowell re:Jars.*
~Syndicate #45: "Breaking Jars of Clay"* p.11, album review p.15.
~GMA Today June/July '94: picture/article on Spotlight '94 p.3.
~Billboard 5/27/95: Single Reviews (for Flood) p.?
~Billboard 6/?/95: p.105 Belew Article mentions work w/ Jars.
~7-Ball first issue 7&8/95 article* p.12.
~CCM October '95 cover issue, large four page article.
~Crossroads 9/95 Vol.1 large five page article.
~Charisma, 9/95 21(2) review
~Campus Life 9/95 small comment and picture.
Newspaper articles/ads:
~Greenville College News, 5/95
~Nashville Scene, 9/29/94
~Cardinal & Cream, Union U., Jackson, TN 80 (1) 9/6/95
~Greensboro, NC News & Record: 7/1/95*
~VOG Atlanta: 4 (10): June '95: Review p.8
~Parkminster Presby. (home church) * by youth pastor (See E.V.#1)
~Gates-Chili News, Rochester 9/95.
The Jars Press Kit Includes:
~Three possible promotional photos
~Gatefold cardboard jar, opens w/ pictures and describes songs.
~Lyric packet, 14 pages (same text as inside cd booklet)
~Three page biography
4.0 Who has influenced the band musically?
Jars have been influenced by too many bands to list. Their influences include
bands from all times and styles. Bands that they tend to listen to now are
those Christian and secular with great production, including Sarah McLachlan,
Rich Mullins, PFR, Brent Bourgeouis, Seal, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Innocence
Mission, Fleming & John, etc. etc. They also love classic tunes by the
Beatles, etc.
4.1 Who has influenced the band spiritually?
Usually when asked this question, they list names of youth pastors along
the way or their current pastors (e.g. Pastor Scotty Smith) as well as
families and the backgrounds they grew up in. They have also been influenced
by writers such as Brennan Manning, Max Lucado, John Piper & C.S.Lewis.
4.2 Who is Adrian Belew?
Adrian produced two songs on the debut release, Flood and Liquid. He is
a very renowned guitarist/producer in secular music, and has worked
with many bands. He is currently frontman of King Crimson, singing and
playing
guitar for them. He has worked with Laurie Anderson, Nine inch nails,
Talking Heads, David Bowie, and many others, and was discovered by Frank
Zappa in the early-mid '70's. He has also written and produced 5 or so solo
albums in the '80's/'90's. He is now married to a Christian and lives in
Nashville. I cannot answer for him if he knows the Lord, but there are
spiritual
overtones on his latest solo album and it is obvious that he is on a quest
for the truth.
4.3 What other musical projects have the guys been in before Jars?
Charlie and Matt were in a high school band together when they were 14
(?), called Simple Truth. Charlie had been in a number of bands, dating back
to junior high when he played sax for the melody, as singers were hard to
come by at that age. Dan had also played in a number of bands, a church band
called celebration and some alternative bands in high school called Sitting
Duck and Big Bang Theory. From age 13, Steve played guitar with a drummer,
forming their own "instrumental epics" reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, and he
did '50's tunes in a band called "Friendly Ivy and the Grasshoppers. Charlie
and Dan had been in a travelling ministry band at Greenville College called
Chrysalis, and Charlie participated in a short-
lived band called Second Level. Also, Charlie and Dan were in another band
at Greenville that won some contests. Hard to believe they were there only
two years and seemed to accomplish all this. When the talents of Steve were
brought during Dan and Charlies' 2nd year, it was evident they would be a
"true band".
4.4 What other instruments do the band members play?
In addition to guitar, Matt plays piano and also plays a mean trumpet, and
also seems to be good at the kazoo, jaw harp, washboard and even does a great
imitation of a cappachino machine! :) Charlie plays saxophone and
wind-controller in addition to keys. Steve plays guitar and bass guitars on
the album, and has also played piano, tenor & alto sax, harmonica, the
doghouse (acoustic stand-up bass) and some drums. Dan is a keyboard/piano
player as well, and has experimented with an assortment of ethnic persussion,
woodblocks, jews harp, harmonica, fisher price toy pianos, accordian and
recorders.
----END FAQ----END FAQ----END FAQ----END FAQ----END FAQ----END FAQ---
* *
* EARTHEN VESSELS -- THE JARS OF CLAY NEWSLETTER *
* *
****************************************************************************
* *
* BACK ISSUES COURTESY OF ANDY LOWELL, EDITOR *
* *
****************************************************************************
* *
* EARTHEN VESSELS IS PUBLISHED VIA E-MAIL ONLY AND IS AVAILABLE FREE OF *
* CHARGE VIA THE INTERNET BY E-MAILING EARTHPOTS@AOL.COM AND REQUESTING *
* YOUR SUBSCRIPTION *
* *
****************************************************************************
Welcome to the Jars of Clay FAQ! The purpose of this FAQ is to provide some
basic background
information about Jars and their music. Hopefully, this will prevent these
questions from being asked over and over again by new subscribers to the
list, which can be irritating for other readers who have seen the answers
before.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email. Thanks!
Andy Lowell (earthpots@aol.com)
CONTENTS:
0. General Information on this FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) list:
0.1 Where can I find the latest version of this list?
0.2 Copyright issues
1. E-mail server and ftp questions:
1.1 What is Earthen Vessels newsletter?
1.2 How do I subscribe/unsubscribe to the Earthen Vessels newsletter?
1.3 Is there a www home page site on the web? How do I get there?
1.4 How do I post a message to the newsletter?
1.5 Can I request back issues from the mailing list?
1.6 How often is the newsletter issued?
2. General Jars of Clay information:
2.1 Who are they?!
2.2 Where are they from?
2.3 How can I contact the band?
2.4 What albums do they have?
2.5 How can I get these albums?
2.6 Where can I get tour information?
3. Specific frequently asked questions:
3.1 Lyrical questions
3.2 Musical questions
3.3 Record Company questions
3.4 Band member questions
3.5 Who have they toured with?
3.6 What is the significance of the name "Jars of Clay"?
3.7 Memorabilia available
3.8 Who are the support personnel for the band?
3.9 What articles have been published on the band?
START FAQ ---START FAQ --- START FAQ --- START FAQ --- START FAQ ---
0.1 Where can I find the latest version of this list?
You can email earthpots@aol.com for the latest version, or look in
alt.music.christian on the internet newsgroups, where it will be posted every
couple months. The FAQ and all back issues of the newsletter will be kept at
the www home page site, which is: http://www.grfn.org/~qwerty/ev
Also, it will occasionally be posted in the Jars folder on AOL.
0.2 Copyright issues:
The material in this FAQ and in any of the newsletter issues may be legally
copied (with permission from myself or the artists described herein) to any
folder, world wide web site, or place on internet that is consistent with
it's contents.
1. E-mail server and ftp questions:
1.1 What is Earthen Vessels newsletter?
This newsletter is an unofficial publication (but an official newsletter,
endorsed by the members of Jars of Clay) that is issued whenever enough new
material is available to release it. This usually occurs within 2-4 weeks.
1.2 How do I subscribe to the Earthen Vessels newsletter?
Send mail to earthpots@aol.com and simply ask to be subscribed. I'm human, so
you can talk to me! (There is no computer that is set up to take your
subscriptions) To unsubscribe, simply ask, as above. Please let me know when
you will terminate an account, so my mail to you does not bounce when you
close the account.
1.3 Is there a www home page site for Jars?
Yes! :) We just started work on a site, it includes all back issues and the
FAQ now, and will include much more in the near future. There will hopefully
be unreleased video and picture footage there for you to download, and
possibly some other exciting stuff as well. Feel free to send anything for
inclusion at the site! The site address is:
http://www.grfn.org/~qwerty/jarsofclay
1.4 How do I post a message to the newsletter?
Any messages that you wish to be included should be sent to
earthpots@aol.com. Please specify that you'd like to include them in the
next newsletter. All material is subject to editing or exclusion if
inappropriate. We are also always looking for any local news articles,
interviews,
etc. you have found, so please help us and send a photocopy if you find
something you think we may not have access to! :) We will promptly reply by
sending you something neat in exchange! You may send anything on Jars to the
following snail mail address: ( I will be happy to type anything from what
you send for the newsletter):
Andy Lowell
589 Hartford Rd.
Box 186
New Britain, CT 06053
1.5 Can I request back issues from the mailing list?
The preferred method is for you to download them from the www site listed
above. All back issues are kept there so that we won't have to pay for time
to upload them all and send them numerous times. If you can't seem to get
them from there or get to the site,
you may request back issues, but please be patient, as I will write down your
request and wait until enough people email me to send out the back issues.
They will usually go out every couple of weeks. If you don't hear from me by
then feel free to remind me again!
2. General Jars of Clay information:
2.1 Who are they?!
Jars of Clay consist of:
Dan Haseltine - Lead vocals
Steve Mason - guitar, bass, background vocals
Matt Odmark - guitar, background vocals
Charlie Lowell - synthesizer, organ, piano, background vocals
and Scott Savage - drums & percussion for live shows
2.2 Where are they from?
Dan, Steve and Charlie met at Greenville College. Originally, Charlie and
Matt are from Rochester, NY. Dan is from Winter Springs, FL and Steve is
from Decauter, IL. (The member that quit just after they formed (a guitarist)
was named Matt Bronlewee and came from Kansas City.) They all currently live
in Nashville, TN.
2.3 How can I contact the band?
The guys can be reached at clayjars@aol.com, or at their individual screen
names:
plumbersc@aol.com (Dan)
Odie74@aol.com (Matt)
pdljmpr7@aol.com (Charlie)
Snack75@aol.com (Steve)
PeepnTrtl@aol.com (Scott)
You may also contact Jars through their snail mail address:
Jars of Clay
P.O. Box 271204
Nashville, TN 37227
2.4 What albums do they have?
Jars of Clay currently have one debut release on Essential Records (of
Brentwood Music) and one demo independent release that was entitled Frail.
There were 15,000 printed and sold. Many were given to record companies
during the search for the right one! There are also plans for a CD-Rom to be
released early 1996 and a Christmas EP single with 3 songs to be released in
late October.
2.5 How can I get these albums?
The debut album on Essential can be found "where all fine Christian music is
sold". They may be temporarily out of stock, as more albums were bought than
expected in the first few months. As for the demo cd, Frail, it may be a
challenge to find even a copy of, but don't give up hope! :) Actually, all
but one song ended up on the debut release, so all you're missing out on is
different versions of songs you already know.
2.6 Where can I get tour information?
Email earthpots@aol.com anytime to retrieve the latest tour information. I
will try to keep as many details as possible, but you may have to do some
searching on where exactly the concert is in your town. I will provide
whatever possible.
3. Specific frequently asked questions:
3.1 Lyrical questions
~What are the lyrics for the song that is performed live but didn't make it
onto the Essential Records release? This song is called "Fade to Grey" and
the lyrics are:
Oh it's not hard to know what you're thinking
as you look down on me now
Your trance of love is seeking
to turn this world around
But in this state of blind confusion
No god can pull me out
Then I see Your love is willing
to turn me inside out
Then I see you there with your arms open wide and you're trying to embrace me
These lonely tears I cry they keep me in chains and I wish they'd release me
Cold is the night but colder still is the heart made of stone turned from
clay
And if you follow me you'd see all the black, all the white fade to grey
Spinning twisted ignorant bliss
falling farther out of grace
crawling closer to the dust
won't you save me from myself
~What is the gregorian chant in Liquid? Where is it from and what is the
translation?
The answers to this are answered by Charlie in a segment from the Jars AOL
folder:
"Basically, we had a tape from the library full of traditional Gregorian
Chants and we sampled a small portion of a chant and took it to the studio.
When we slowed it down to the key of "liquid," (Eb minor) it just fit
perfectly, so we left it there! That's about it- Divine Intervention, some
would say!? As to what the chant is saying, we don't know (something in
Latin...), but if anyone finds out and can prove it, we'll award you!
Here's what we think they're saying: "Are you sleeping little lamb? Please
don't, please don't step on me!" :)"
Any takers?
~ What is "four seven" in the album credits?
four seven is the two minute song that appears a few minutes after "Blind,"
the last track. It is titled after the scripture it is taken directly from
2nd Corinthians four seven. The lyrics are:
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
To show that this power is from God,
and not from us."
3.2 Musical questions and album questions:
~How do they pull it off live?
Since there are not enough musicians in the band to cover all the extra
instrumentation on the album tracks (strings, woodwinds, chants, children,
etc.),
a few of the songs have DAT tracks from
the studio sessions which are used to back up the guys in concert. This is in
no way like the Milli Vanilli style....all
guitars, keyboards, vocals and drums (except some samples) are live. If they
ever
have enough to pay people, they would probably take extra instrumentalists on
the road with them. For now it is rather impractical for them.
~What is the significance of "Truck" and the picture of the truck?
"Truck" was printed by the manufacturer's although they weren't told to
this. On the proof cd, the guys thought it looked artistic and although
there
is no purpose to the word, thought they'd keep it. The picture was taken on
one of their photo shoots when they came upon an abandoned truck and
thought
it might make a good picture. They were thinking of having a contest to see
who could come up with the best meaning for it...any takers? Not that I
have
many prizes I could give out! My thought was that the Truck could symbolize
a
jar in a way (are you lost yet?). This could be a valid interpretation
because the truck is man-made (like a jar), broken and rundown (like we get
sometimes, this is a theme on the album) and has LIFE growing in it! There
are plants growing in the back of it which can symbolize the life that
grows
in us despite the hardships and being broken. That's the best I can come up
with, any other ideas or comments are welcome!!
3.3 Record Company questions
~What label are they on?
Jars are on Essential Records, a division of Brentwood Music, the largest
Christian music producer/distributor (I believe) owned by the secular Zema
Records. This leaves a possibility for secular distribution, which would
increase the bounds of their ministry. They are very happy with Essential and
are bound by contract for a number of albums.
(GEN-X COMMUNICATIONS ADDENDUM: THE CORRECT NAME OF BRENTWOOD MUSIC'S
PARENT COMPANY IS "ZOMBA"...)
~Are they happy with the promotion & production of the first album?
Yes! Here's a quote from the new "7-Ball" magazine article on the guys (Dan
speaking):
"It seemed like Essential was willing to give us a lot of creative
control.
They were a smaller label, so they would give us a lot more focus and put
a
lot more time into us. And the people at the label were just incredible,
we
were just feeling like it was a family, in a sense." And from Matt: "The
further we got along in negotiations, the more we couldn't imagine going
anyplace else. It just felt like home to us really quickly."
3.4 Band member biographies:
Dan Paul Haseltine: age 22, birthday 1/12/73, from Winter Springs, FL
hobbies: reading, writing, cooking, drawing, finding new uses for Ramen
noodles!
Matt Odmark: age 21, birthday 1/25/74, from Rochester, NY
hobbies: skiing, photography, oragami, j-walking, & multi-weapon nuclear
assault tactics! :)
Steve Mason: age 20, birthday 7/8/75, from Decatur, IL
hobbies: travel, writing letters, music, music & more music, collects
"Etude" magazines dating back to 1920's, and Winnie the Pooh/Curious
George stuff.
Charlie Lowell: age 21, birthday 10/21/73, from Rochester, NY
hobbies: writing letters, drinking gourmet coffee, playing solitaire,
"trying to serve".
3.5 Who have they toured with?
Jars have toured with PFR and Brent Bourgeouis quite extensively (a
three month tour in the spring of 1995 and also three months in the
fall of 1995 with PFR) and they seem to get along great with each other. Jars
have also opened for Sixpence none the richer (at Rocketown and 2 shows
in IL), Audio Adrenalin (one show in FL), Steven Curtis Chapman (one date
in Missouri I think) and Johnny Q.Public and The Waiting (two dates in
IL). I believe they were the headliners at the Johnny Q.Public shows. They
played a date August 9th of '95 with IAN, and will be doing one with Geoff
Moore on Sept. 9th of '95. Also, they will be opening for Michael W. Smith
nightly
on the 1996 World Tour.
3.6 What is the significance of the name "Jars of Clay"?
The name Jars of Clay comes from II Cor. 4:7, which says, "But we have this
treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God
and not from us". This verse refers to the frailty of our humanity and our
material bodies on earth and the fact that God Himself has given us life
and souls eternal. Also that we should be humbled and God should be given
the ultimate thanks for this treasure. This verse is the lyric of "four
seven", the hidden track
after Blind on the debut Essential release. There are many things that can
be
said about this passage. Don't forget to look it up in its context in the
Bible, there are many other things to be learned from this exposition.
Another basic theme is that we are hard-pressed on every side but not broken,
and God will test us in amazing ways, but will not let us be harmed from His
saving grace. The testing will help us to mature as Christians!
3.7 Memorabilia available
Due to the many questions I've had about finding Jars memoriblia, here is
a
quick listing of what they have available at their live shows. There is not
currently a mail order system, so you must purchase these at live shows or
have someone who is going purchase them for you. Here's what's out:
Shirt #1: Album cover front, tour dates with PFR, back (white) $15 sold out!
Shirt #2: Jars of Clay written with Jar on front, II Cor. 4:7 on back (earthy
offwhite color) $15 (OUT)
Shirt #3: Maroon with front print only, "jars of clay", "of" in a star in
the middle, with jars and clay written overtop of each other.
Shirt #4: Dark Blue shirt with "JA*RS" written on front in yellow (* = a
star) and a yellow star on the back with II Cor. 4:7 in it.
Shirt #5: White shirt with the puppet boy on the front, "jars of clay"
written on back in red.
Shirt #6: Green shirt with the same logos as above.
Caps: white with Green Jar embroidered, or Green with white Jar embroidered.
$10 or so. (OUT)
Cap #2: New summer '95 with the puppet boy on front and "jars of clay"
written on back. Blue corduroy.
Cap #3: Same as above, but with Green corduroy.
Poster: This is the promo picture of Jars standing/crouching in the old house
with peices of broken jars on the floor. $5
Poster #2: small promo poster that says "choice of a new generation" and has
a Jar on a white background. $2 (OUT)
CD's available at all live shows for $13. Tapes for $10 each. (beats
bookstore prices!)
8 x 12 promo picture, there have been 5 different ones, usually 2 at a time,
$2 each.
Stickers: White with the jar puppet boy on them and jars of clay written
above it. $3.
3.8 Which other instrumentalists played on the debut release?
Adrian Belew - Bass, cello and mandolin
Noah Evans - violin
John Catchings - mandolin and fiddle
Sam Levine - recorder
Craig Nelson - bass
Bob Manson - cello
Jim Grosjean - viola
Carl Gorodetsky - violin
Pam Sixfin - violin
Marrianne Osiel - oboe
Mancy Alan Kane - female vocals
Noah Evans and Ron Huff - string arrangements
3.9 What articles have been published on the band?
I'm currently trying to form a list of magazines the guys have been in. If
anyone can help make additions to this list, it'd be very much appreciated!
:) And, I would be very happy to trade photocopies of them for the ones I've
found, then transcribe them for the newsletter. Here's what I have found
(with much help!) so far:
( * denotes a full page (picture, ad or article), ** denotes 2 pages, etc.
Also, "~" denotes a new issue or magazine, listings of articles will follow)
~CCM July '95: ad*, On the Beat p.13, Mud picture p.16, In Concert w/ PFR p.
75 w/ picture of all the guys together.*
~CCM June '95: On the Beat p.24, album review p.66.
~CCM May '95: Walking a Tightrope p.6, Faces to Watch* p.32, ad* p.85, Making
Contact (their address) p.92.
~CCM July '94: On the Beat (Unsigned/Indies): GMA Spotlight winners
~CCM Update 9 (18): 5/8/95: CHR chart
~CCM Update 9 (19): 5/15/95 CHR charts
~CCM Update 9 (20): 5/22/95 CHR charts
~CCM Update 9 (22): 6/5/95 ad* back page w/ picture & comments, Charts: CHR,
Top Albums, Most adds Rock (#1), Rock charts, Out and About (re:CD-Rom).
(Please note: these are the only CCM updates I've been able to obtain, they
are probably in many more issues as well so it's not complete)
~CCM Update 5/23/94 p.6 "Gallery", picture.
~Performance:24 (51): 4/21/95: Spotlight**** article, pull-out 4 color pages
+ picture on front cover.
~Release: May/June '95: ad* p.53, picture p.54.
~Shout Summer '95, ad*, free compilation cd ad from shout & Z-tv
~Bookstore Journal May '95: picture p.34, album review p.132.
~Christian Retailing 4/25/95: Music News p.28 (New Artist Profile).
~Christian Retailing 6/25/95: p.? album review. (see below for review!)
~New Music Guide Spring '95: Interview w/ Charlie Lowell re:Jars.*
~Syndicate #45: "Breaking Jars of Clay"* p.11, album review p.15.
~GMA Today June/July '94: picture/article on Spotlight '94 p.3.
~Billboard 5/27/95: Single Reviews (for Flood) p.?
~Billboard 6/?/95: p.105 Belew Article mentions work w/ Jars.
~7-Ball first issue 7&8/95 article* p.12.
~CCM October '95 cover issue, large four page article.
~Crossroads 9/95 Vol.1 large five page article.
~Charisma, 9/95 21(2) review
~Campus Life 9/95 small comment and picture.
Newspaper articles/ads:
~Greenville College News, 5/95
~Nashville Scene, 9/29/94
~Cardinal & Cream, Union U., Jackson, TN 80 (1) 9/6/95
~Greensboro, NC News & Record: 7/1/95*
~VOG Atlanta: 4 (10): June '95: Review p.8
~Parkminster Presby. (home church) * by youth pastor (See E.V.#1)
~Gates-Chili News, Rochester 9/95.
The Jars Press Kit Includes:
~Three possible promotional photos
~Gatefold cardboard jar, opens w/ pictures and describes songs.
~Lyric packet, 14 pages (same text as inside cd booklet)
~Three page biography
4.0 Who has influenced the band musically?
Jars have been influenced by too many bands to list. Their influences include
bands from all times and styles. Bands that they tend to listen to now are
those Christian and secular with great production, including Sarah McLachlan,
Rich Mullins, PFR, Brent Bourgeouis, Seal, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Innocence
Mission, Fleming & John, etc. etc. They also love classic tunes by the
Beatles, etc.
4.1 Who has influenced the band spiritually?
Usually when asked this question, they list names of youth pastors along
the way or their current pastors (e.g. Pastor Scotty Smith) as well as
families and the backgrounds they grew up in. They have also been influenced
by writers such as Brennan Manning, Max Lucado, John Piper & C.S.Lewis.
4.2 Who is Adrian Belew?
Adrian produced two songs on the debut release, Flood and Liquid. He is
a very renowned guitarist/producer in secular music, and has worked
with many bands. He is currently frontman of King Crimson, singing and
playing
guitar for them. He has worked with Laurie Anderson, Nine inch nails,
Talking Heads, David Bowie, and many others, and was discovered by Frank
Zappa in the early-mid '70's. He has also written and produced 5 or so solo
albums in the '80's/'90's. He is now married to a Christian and lives in
Nashville. I cannot answer for him if he knows the Lord, but there are
spiritual
overtones on his latest solo album and it is obvious that he is on a quest
for the truth.
4.3 What other musical projects have the guys been in before Jars?
Charlie and Matt were in a high school band together when they were 14
(?), called Simple Truth. Charlie had been in a number of bands, dating back
to junior high when he played sax for the melody, as singers were hard to
come by at that age. Dan had also played in a number of bands, a church band
called celebration and some alternative bands in high school called Sitting
Duck and Big Bang Theory. From age 13, Steve played guitar with a drummer,
forming their own "instrumental epics" reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, and he
did '50's tunes in a band called "Friendly Ivy and the Grasshoppers. Charlie
and Dan had been in a travelling ministry band at Greenville College called
Chrysalis, and Charlie participated in a short-
lived band called Second Level. Also, Charlie and Dan were in another band
at Greenville that won some contests. Hard to believe they were there only
two years and seemed to accomplish all this. When the talents of Steve were
brought during Dan and Charlies' 2nd year, it was evident they would be a
"true band".
4.4 What other instruments do the band members play?
In addition to guitar, Matt plays piano and also plays a mean trumpet, and
also seems to be good at the kazoo, jaw harp, washboard and even does a great
imitation of a cappachino machine! :) Charlie plays saxophone and
wind-controller in addition to keys. Steve plays guitar and bass guitars on
the album, and has also played piano, tenor & alto sax, harmonica, the
doghouse (acoustic stand-up bass) and some drums. Dan is a keyboard/piano
player as well, and has experimented with an assortment of ethnic persussion,
woodblocks, jews harp, harmonica, fisher price toy pianos, accordian and
recorders.
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