Matt Odmark

Matthew Odmark
Background information
Birth name Matthew Thomas Odmark
Born January 25, 1974
New York City, New York, United States
Genres Alternative rock, folk, Christian, country
Occupation(s) Musician, Songwriter
Instruments Guitar, vocals, banjo
Years active 1994 – Present
Labels Essential/Silvertone, Gray Matters/Nettwerk
Associated acts Jars of Clay

Matthew Odmark (born Matthew Thomas Odmark on January 25, 1974)[1][2] is an American musician most known for being a guitarist for Christian alternative folk rock group Jars of Clay.

At times, Odmark's first name is noted as "Matthew" instead of "Matt". Curiously, these occurrences all indicate the group's other guitarist Stephen Mason as "Steve Mason", thus expanding Odmark to his full name, while abbreviating Mason's name.

Biography

Matthew Odmark was raised in Rochester, New York, and studied English literature. As a youth he knew pianist Charlie Lowell. When guitarist Matt Bronleewe left Lowell's band Jars of Clay, Odmark took his place as guitarist and backing vocalist.

In 2001, Jars of Clay were awarded honorary graduations from Greenville College due to their demonstrated understanding of their craft. Despite never being an attendee of the school, as the group often indicates having formed there, Odmark was granted this award also.

Personal life

Matthew Odmark is married to wife, Kristen Odmark. They adopted their son, Dylan Matthew Odmark, in 2007. They adopted another son, Owen Leigh Odmark, in 2009.[3]

Awards

In 2001, at the Orville H. Gibson Guitar Awards, Odmark received "Best Acoustic Guitar (Male)", selected over fellow nominees, Bon Jovi, Beck, and Bob Dylan.

References

  1. Jars World, Jars World: Music: Tim. Date of Birth noted. Retrieved 9 August 2007.
  2. NSAI Songwriter Achievement Awards. Full name noted. Retrieved 15 August
  3. IMDb. IMDb Matthew Odmark Biography. Retrieved 9 August 2007.