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Human Fusion By Jenni Isaac Steve Mason [the funny man]

Charlie Lowell   Steve Mason   Dan Haseltine   Matt Odmark

"Steve is as comfortable talking to a conservative youth pastor as he is talking to a woman who owns a bar in the seediest part of town," says Jars of Clay guitarist Matt Odmark about band mate and fellow guitarist Steve Mason.

"He's the one that's the most kid at heart," adds group lead singer Dan Haseltine.

"The outgoing humorist," agrees keyboardist Charlie Lowell. "He's very social." Mason admits it himself—he is unable to pay attention for long periods of time, uncomfortable in a suit and tie (both literally and figuratively), emotional and funny and he loves to talk with all kinds of people.

His band mates thank God for him because they realize what an introverted group of guys they would be without him. In fact, Mason's high-energy personality has been a major contributor to Jars' success. Haseltine credits Mason with inspiring a great deal of the creative process, Odmark attributes much of the "gut-level" emotional feel of the band's music to Mason's musical expression and Lowell labels Mason the "pulse" of the band.

The translated description of what Mason actually does within the band is extensive. He creates new ideas for musical effects and keeps the songwriting process "light and accelerated." He keeps the guys laughing and encourages them. He also plays a large part in challenging Haseltine to enhance the lyrics and melodies the lead singer brings to the band. And that sometimes translates into conflict.

The Mason-Haseltine dynamic is one that has taught both guys much about relationships and compromise. But when it comes down to it, "We've had some of the toughest, knock-down, drag-out situations I've ever had in life," Haseltine says of Mason. "Steve and I are the ones that butt heads the most. But it's definitely iron sharpening iron."

Disagreements over music, lyrics and the future direction of the band have sometimes caused strife between band mates. Though painful at the time, the guys have experienced a spiritual growth that would never have resulted if the band members were not committed to working through problems.

"There were a lot of ugly days where we (each of the band members) realized that we didn't necessarily like each other," Mason explains. "And at some point, we realized that we were going to have to make a decision if the group was going to survive."

It has been the process of "surviving" that has taught Mason so much. Being able to see God at work in unexpected and unpredictable places (i.e. in occasional disputes with band members) has only given him more incentive to continue to seek God in other areas.

Sporadically, there are still moments of dissension, but as Mason says, "It is rock 'n' roll we're talking about."

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© 2003 Christian Music Planet

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