Award-winning worship artist Jon Bauer releases indie/folk/worship project Roots of Worship today. The album features Bauer's favorite choruses and hymns—timeless songs that he performs while on the road as a full-time touring worship leader—with a roots treatment.
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."
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01.
Forever Reign
02.
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)
03.
Your Love Never Fails
04.
Mighty to Save
05.
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
06.
Our God
07.
Cornerstone (My Hope Is Built)
08.
Forevermore
09.
Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)
10.
Blessed Be the Name/Power in the Blood (feat. High Valley)
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