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Jars of Clay from the stage
By Jodi Anderson
Guest Writer
FILE PHOTO
Jars of Clay: from the photo shoot
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It began with a homework assignment. For a credit in a recording class at Greenville College in Greenville, Ill, four guys got together and wrote “Fade to Gray,” the composition that would be the catalyst to a long and prosperous career. Encouraged by warm reviews which the song received from peers, they performed it in the “Underground Cafण,” a special show they put together to raise money for homeless shelters and jail ministries.
Following that Christmas of 1993, Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Stephen Mason, and Matt Bronleewe (later replaced by Matt Odmark) decided to write additional material to flesh out their live repertoire and satisfy requirements for their recording class. Feeling that it would be appropriate to give these collaborations a name, the group searched for inspiration. They turned to the Bible. Charlie recalled a passage in 2 Corinthians which spoke of the frailty of man and his complete dependence on the strength of God in order to endure and overcome the struggles of life. The band drew its name from chapter four verse seven: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” With this constant reminder to remain humble in their endeavors, Jars of Clay was born in January 1994.
Now, after selling more than five million records, receiving 22 Dove Nominations, garnering six Dove and two Grammy awards, and topping the charts with 15 singles, the band offers up yet another gem. “Furthermore—From the Studio: From the Stage” is a double disc set containing, as the title indicates, selections both from their home-built studio and their last tour in support of “The Eleventh Hour.” Many of the songs are reworked to give them a fresh perspective. As with any attempt to improve upon what is held dear in the hearts of fans, this collection will undoubtedly be released to mixed reactions.
Take, for instance, “Liquid,” which originally appeared on their self-titled album. Imagine hearing, “Blood stained brow/He wasn’t broken for nothing/Arms nailed down/He didn’t die for nothing,” set not among the anxious string arrangement in which those lyrics first appeared, but plopped down in a mushy love song. There is no more bleakness, no haunting background, only a bland piano and unoriginal acoustic guitar accompaniment that robs the song of its gut-wrenching power. However, “Needful Hands,” off the “Exodus” project, benefits from a similar arrangement, adding a surprising dimension to this thoughtful composition.
“Dig” is one of a couple of brand new songs included on the studio disc. This is yet another masterpiece, hearkening back to the deep soul-searching lyrics of JOC’s debut. “Water covers sin/Blood covers doubt/So I begin again/Again the healing bow/There was a time that I might have surrendered/But not now.” Sung with the yearning vocals that have become Dan Haseltine’s trademark and accompanied by a simple acoustic guitar picking pattern, “Dig” touches the war-weary soldier in all of us.
The second disc contains live performances of favorites from several of their records, including, “I Need You” and “Disappear”--both from “The Eleventh Hour”--and the hugely popular crossover hit, “Flood.” This is a good indication of what Calvin students can expect when Jars comes to the campus February 12. Dan has the crowd singing along in “Like a Child,” exemplifying his growth from an apologetic frontman to a dynamic performer. And “Revolution,” off their last album, is stripped of the distracting loops and noises included in the original version, vastly improving its accessibility.
I had the opportunity to see the band on their “If I Left the Zoo” tour. Expecting a laid-back set because of their many ballads, I was blown away by their ability to rock out. I’m not alone in my appreciation. Katie Hurt, a Calvin senior, said, “I’m very excited to see them again. I went to their show last time they came and thoroughly enjoyed it.”
In an interview with CNN, Matt Odmark said, “I think for us, this is music that has inspired us and changed us. And we have no reason to believe that it couldn’t be just as inspiring and impactful [sic] to others. So that’s our hope.” Calvin College is in for a real treat when these guys hit Grand Rapids in a few days. They will be accompanied by the college-circuit favorite Caedmon’s Call and special guest Randall Goodgame.
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