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Human Fusion By Jenni Isaac Charlie Lowell [the glue]

Charlie Lowell   Steve Mason   Dan Haseltine   Matt Odmark

Jars of Clay keyboardist Charlie Lowell sometimes reflects on having to adapt to the out-of-the-ordinary and often chaotic lifestyle of a band member. He concludes that it has only improved his existence and that God has blessed him. The years of struggle with Jars of Clay he ascribes to a group of diverse guys working closely together. And he lovingly describes his band mates as the "biggest factors" in shaping his life.

The other members of Jars of Clay, in turn, use words such as "quiet," "thoughtful" and "a supporter" to characterize Lowell. Dan Haseltine, Steve Mason and Matt Odmark freely acknowledge frustration over extreme variances in personality amongst themselves. But for Lowell, they reserve calmer, almost reverent tones, describing him as "the glue" of the band.

"Charlie is a very consistent presence in the midst of the artistic process," Mason explains. "He brings a real solid foundation (to the band)."

"Charlie is the first to quietly serve his friends and do whatever needs to be done and not need recognition or credit for it," Odmark adds.

And when the other three members of Jars of Clay can't agree on a song, performance or tour decision, they depend on Lowell to bring peace. As "peacemaker," Lowell has seen firsthand how the conflict and differences within the band have eventually brought them each closer to God and to each other.

"Walking through difficult seasons with the band has greatly increased my faith," he says. "(It has) proved to me that we have a God that uses frustration to push us back to Himself. We can use those frustrations as a way to remind ourselves, 'Oh yeah, I'm not supposed to feel like everything is working down here. I'm supposed to long for something more.'"

Challenging himself to "long for something more" in his band mates, Lowell tries not to view Haseltine, Odmark and Mason as simply who they are currently. Instead, he tries to be open to the guys' growth and spontaneity. In return, Haseltine, Odmark and Mason encourage Lowell's personal growth. Haseltine considers Lowell's willingness to grow as a musician and multi-instrumentalist (he plays piano, keyboards, accordion, organs, dulcimers, etc.) a great benefit to the band's overall sound. And Mason admires that Lowell, though very skilled, is never flashy or arrogant.

"Charlie shows a maturity beyond his years," Mason says. "He ultimately serves the song over what he could contribute. I really aspire to that."

And while the keyboardist's fellow band members often mention Lowell's expansive musical contributions, they more often bring to light their admiration of his character. Mason and Haseltine agree with Odmark, who says, "Charlie is the friend that will be there for you over the long haul."

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© 2003 Christian Music Planet

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