Jars of Clay burst onto the scene with their national debut 25 years ago in 1995. Fans immediately fell in love with their gritty, acoustic rock sound. That same year, the band complemented their self-titled debut with Drummer Boy, a Christmas EP that was the first taste of the thematic versatility that was to come.
On its initial release, the EP only had four songs, two of which were actually new recordings. Doesn't sound too much of a legacy, does it? But, the fruit that came from the haunting notes on this short collection left a mark on Christmas airwaves for seasons to come.
"Drummer Boy"
Jars of Clay's take on an often-derided classic attracted mainstream airplay for several seasons. In contrast to the much-loved cinematic cover by for King & Country, a version that has set a new standard for the track, Jars of Clay took a more subtle approach in line with their subtle character. Haunting synths, emotive guitars, and subdued vocals give the track an almost eerie feeling. The track builds to a climactic finish carried by the emotional strength of lead singer Dan Hastletine's signature vocals.
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
An eerie guitar hook introduces another track from this collection. While perhaps not as well known as "Little Drummer Boy," this rendition crashed many a compilation and radio playlist over the years. A violin joins the song in the bridge, a flourish that made their debut shine so brightly. It rounds out the song's darkly soothing atmosphere. While there's something to be said about Christmas music that is bright, joyful, and anthemic, Jars of Clay managed to capture some of the quiet and haunting wonders of the majesty of Christ's birth that some of the louder tracks of the season may miss.
A Christmas Legacy
While the acoustic rendition of "He" and a remix of "Little Drummer Boy" close out the EP, it's the aforementioned songs that have given Jars of Clay their biggest legacy from this release.
While Jars of Clay would celebrate numerous hits on Christian radio in the coming years, they would slowly, but surely, expand their Christmas music catalogue to become one of the most notable Christian Christmas artists around.
Contributions to the City on a Hill: It's Christmastime, produced "Bethlehem Town," while their take of "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" would become another classic Jars of Clay carol. "Christmas for Cowboys" was an upbeat acoustic cover that made its way onto a mainstream compilation.
Their Christmas music legacy peaked with 2006's Christmas Songs, a full-length release that offered fans 14 tracks of holiday goodness. Many fans consider this album one of the best Christmas collections released by a Christian artist during the 2000s. Several additional Christmas EPs in the coming years would keep the holiday tunes coming. And, while Jars of Clay has, more or less, retired aside from a smattering of performances, they still reunite every year for a Christmas show: the Jars of Clay Family Christmas.
This little EP may not look like much in the grand scheme of things. But, 25 years later, one can see how it began one of the most consistent presences of Christian Christmas radio.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community.
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