Redemption Songs is the sixth full-length studio album by Jars of Clay. It was released by Essential Records on March 22, 2005.
Overview Redemption Songs is a collection of reinvented hymns and spiritual songs. As part of a church community that believed passionately the blessing of understanding the story of redemption through early church songs and ancient hymns, Jars of Clay found themselves a part of a growing renaissance, one that inspired them to write new songs using the rich hymn texts as the foundation. This renaissance was the beginning of Redemption Songs, a blend of familiar hymns, spirituals, and ancient texts.
Collaboration The band enlists vocals of friends including the Blind Boys of Alabama ("Nothing But the Blood", "On Jordan's Stormy River Banks I Stand"), Sarah Kelly ("I'll Fly Away") and Martin Smith ("Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder"). It was recorded at the band's Nashville-based Sputnik Studio, and is co-produced by the band members and long-time collaborator, Mitch Dane.
Track listing
Personnel Jars of Clay Dan Haseltine Charlie Lowell Stephen Mason Matt Odmark
Additional musicians Aaron Sands – bass Ben Mize – drums (1, 3–9, 11, 12, 13) Bryan Owings – drums (2) John Catchings – cello (9, 12) Andrew Osenga – backing vocals (3) Laura Taylor – backing vocals (3) Sarah Kelly – backing vocals (4) The Blind Boys of Alabama – backing vocals (4, 11) Martin Smith – backing vocals (6)
Production
Robert Beeson – executive producer Jars of Clay – producers Mitch Dane – producer, engineer, mixing (2, 10, 13) Jacquire King – engineer, mixing (1, 3–9, 11, 12) Andy Hunt – second engineer Mike Odmark – second engineer Sang Park – second engineer Laura Taylor – second engineer Richard Dodd – mastering at RichardDodd.com, Nashville, Tennessee John Wesley – translation Michelle Pearson – A&R production Stephanie McBrayer – art direction Tim Parker – art direction, design, cover art Jimmy Abegg – photography Star Klem – stylist Alexis Abegg – hair, make-up
Charts Chart (2005)PeakpositionUS Billboard 20071
Awards
In 2006, Redemption Songs won a Dove Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year at the 37th GMA Dove Awards. It was also nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.37th Annual GMA Dove Awards Nominations & Winners on About.com; Jones, Kim
References
External links 2005 Review at The Phantom Tollbooth