The latest contribution from multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning band Jars of Clay, is a collection of soulful recordings crafted from ancient hymn texts and spiritual songs. The 13-side Redemption Songs will release to retail March 22 with the first radio single,

"God Will Lift Up Your Head," impacting multiple formats in Feb.

While it's no surprise that Jars of Clay, acclaimed for its captivating musical style and lyrical depth, would consider making a worship project, what is unexpected is the path the band's taking. They've researched ancient, timeless hymns, some more than 200 years old, and revived them, infusing a modern sound into these texts.

"This has been one of the most inspiring and faith-deepening projects we have ever done together," notes lead singer Dan Haseltine. "We have taken hymn text from the 18th century, stuff from Europe that had no melodies, and we have constructed songs. The text is so rich. I hope people will love this record as much as we have loved the process, and the education behind the creative process."

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"). Recorded at Jars' Nashville-based Sputnik Studio, Redemption Songs is co-produced by band members and long-time collaborator, Mitch Dane.

The thread of Redemption Songs is one of legacy, an idea of the spirit being given roots and wings. This theme is represented in the album's artwork, a painting commissioned by the band, of a small bird atop a plant, deeply rooted in soil.

The full track listing for Redemption Songs is: "God Be Merciful To Me," "I Need Thee Every Hour," "God Will Life Up Your Head," "I'll Fly Away" "Nothing But The Blood," "Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder," "Our Lord Is Crucified," "Hiding Place" "Jesus I Lift My Eyes," "It Is Well," "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand," "Thou Lovely Source of True Delight," "And They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love."

Early buzz around Redemption Songs is already gaining momentum. Fans, hearing about the project through the band's website, have tagged it the "ultimate retro worship album," and the New York Daily News recently listed the band's new release under its Big Names listing, Jan. 4, 2005 (pg.40).

To add to the growing anticipation of Redemption Songs, band members received news that Furthermore: From the Studio- From The Stage had been certified Gold by the RIAA. This, along with its sixth career Grammy nod, received for Who We Are Instead, is nothing less than a great launch into 2005.

Jars of Clay has amassed more than five million albums, 16 No. 1 singles, multiple Dove Awards, BMI songwriting honors and three Grammy Awards over its 10 year career. It's most recent single "Show You Love," from Grammy nominated Who We Are Instead, was used in a variety of television shows and was incorporated into the promotional trailer for feature film, "Spanglish," starring Adam Sandler. In addition, the song ranked in the top 20 on the Hot AC charts.

Compelled to make a difference in third-world countries, Jars founded the Blood:Water Mission. The first effort of this non-profit organization is the 1000 Wells Project, which officially launches in Spring 2005, with the goal of raising funds to build, rebuild and repair 1000 wells in urban and rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.