Jars of Clay

Jars of Clay is comprised of Dan Haseltine, lead vocals, Stephen Mason, guitar/ background vocals, Matt Odmark, electric and acoustic guitars/background vocals, and Charlie Lowell, piano and keyboards/background vocals.

Jars of Clay takes its name from II Corinthians 4:7. "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

Jars of Clay began in 1990 when a band of eager, but completely unprepared, youngmusicians came together in a sort of "dormitory acoustic group" at Greenville College in Illinois. Not even thinking about an actual career in music, they began to write songs more for the fun of it than anything. For even a little more entertainment, they decided to submit a demo to a national new artist competition. Three million records later, the music of that unassuming group of college buddies is heard around the globe. And the band, filling store shelves and the hearts of millions, is Jars of Clay.

Since winning the Gospel Music Association's Spotlight Competition in 1994, Jars of Clay has achieved multi-platinum status and collected numerous awards - including a 1997 Grammy, 4 Dove Awards and 15 career Dove nominations. They have also received extensive radio airplay on contemporary Christian, mainstream alternative rock and alternative pop stations resulting in 10 #1 singles. But what keeps audiences clamoring for more is the group's talent for blending edgy and dynamic sounds with thought provoking and pointed lyrics that challenge listeners to thrive outside of the typical.

"If I Left the Zoo", the band's third album for Essential/Silvertone Records, grabs hold of the unexpected and stands it on its head. Incorporating a unique blend of organic and playful music - reminiscent of the group's self-titled, debut album - with inspirational and witty lyrics, If I Left The Zoo refreshes the spirit and ignites the soul.

2003

Jars of Clay were very busy this year, releasing two albums.

Multi-platinum, Grammy winners Jars of Clay have long been known as one of the premier live acts in music today, headlining their own tours, while also partnering with performers such as Sting and Sheryl Crow. Whether it's in the midst of a swirling rock recital, or the haunting simplicity of an acoustic song, Jars of Clay is at their artistic finest while connecting with a live audience.

Furthermore - From The Studio: From The Stage, includes many of Jars of Clay's greatest hits, retold in a new way for their fans. This exclusive double-disc collection features songs recorded live on the road, and live in the band's own home studio, plus three previously unreleased recordings.

Who We Are Instead - Multi-platinum, Grammy winners Jars of Clay have often claimed that their records begin with a question. The group's latest studio release, Who We Are Instead, tackles the issue of who we are truly called to be as Christians in a world that is not our home. Gracefully balancing the mirror themes of joy and suffering, the band maintains their distinctive harmonies and signature guitar sounds while musically exploring gospel, blues, rock, and organic influences. Primarily self-produced in Jars of Clay's own Sputnik Studios, the project also employs the talents of Ron Aniello (Lifehouse, Guster, BNL) as well as friends Ashley Cleveland, Ken Coomer (Wilco) and Ben Mize (Counting Crows).

Lyrics * Albums & Songs