Produced by GMA Dove Award-winning Producer of the Year Rusty Varenkamp (Building 429, Sanctus Real, Tenth Avenue North), Roots of Worship comprises 10 familiar worship songs, six which currently grace Christian Copyright Licensing International's (CCLI) Top 25, but with original arrangements sonically reminiscent of artists like Mumford & Sons, Lumineers, and The Civil Wars.

Such folk, bluegrass, and roots elements are admittedly new territory for Bauer, who comments on the record's inspiration, "Some of my close friends are artists in the folk/bluegrass/country world, and I have been loving their music for a long time. Recently the idea came to me …what if I paired a selection of worship songs that most folks know with a sound/style they might not typically associate with worship music. From this the album was born."

Additionally, Roots of Worship showcases the talent of Bauer's friends and fellow Canadians, country Christian band High Valley on album closer "Blessed Be the Name/Power in the Blood." High Valley frontman Brad Rempel shares lead vocals on the track as well.

Thematically, the concept of roots is of particular significance to Bauer. He explains the meaning behind the CD's title, "While I was creating this project, the analogy of trees, roots, and worship was planted in my mind. Much like a tree lifting its branches up to the sun, each worshipper raises his voice to the One who is Life. This record is a collection of the songs I have led in worship around the world in many languages and cultures but with the same heart of worship. As you live a life of worship may your roots continue to grow deeper in Jesus."

Roots of Worship is available via iTunes, Amazon.com and at jonbauermusic.com. Sample a stream of the CD online at http://snd.sc/11IJSle. Also, hear Bauer perform songs from the project live on his cross-country "Roots of Worship" tour this fall and next spring. Visit jonbauermusic.com for an updated tour itinerary.

About Jon Bauer
International worship artist Jon Bauer has released six independent projects which have sold more than 50,000 cumulative copies and generated a No. 1 Canadian radio single as well as six Top 5 singles. These albums have earned him 30 career Covenant Award nominations, with five total wins including Male Vocalist of the Year (2008) and Praise & Worship Album of the Year (2012), as well as a Juno Award nomination in the category of Contemporary Christian Album of the Year for his 2012 release, Forevermore.

Bauer's ability to connect with a diverse audience has afforded him touring opportunities throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Asia with such high profile artists as Michael W. Smith, newsboys, and MercyMe. In 2012 alone, he performed more than 200 shows in five countries, and he continues to play in excess of 175 dates annually.

For more information on Jon Bauer, visit jonbauermusic.com.

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