Fourth time's the charm for Bauer

It’s been five years since former Leo Nickerson Elementary teacher Jon Bauer quit his job to focus exclusively on his singing career. And he’s had no regrets swapping a steady paycheque for the uncertainty of the music business.

In fact, tonight the St. Albert-based international worship artist releases his fourth studio album at St. Albert Alliance Church. The 10-track Forevermore was released nationally to radio on May 10 and is a smooth blend of worship and pop/rock.

“It’s focused on faith and God and it encourages people to live their lives with others in mind. It’s about the simple moments of the day — the opportunities when we can do something for someone, maybe when you’re driving down the road you let someone in front of you. It’s about living out our worship with God instead of just singing and praying,” said Bauer.

This album follows Surround (2008), a highly successful third CD that earned Bauer the title of Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2008 Covenant Awards.

In a departure from previous offerings, the solo singer has developed his songwriting skills and written or co-written eight of the album’s songs. Nashville composer Scott Davis’ tune A Prayer Away, as well as a cover of Hosanna are the only outside numbers recorded.

Produced by Rusty Varenkamp, the 2010 Dove Awards Producer of the Year, Forevermore combines two styles of song — edgy pop/rock singles with worship numbers that can be used by choirs or congregations.

So far the first two singles Light of Another World and Beautiful Name peaked at No. 2 on More Radio’s CanCon charts.

Bauer, who grew up in Spruce Grove, moved to St. Albert shortly after getting married eight years ago. Despite his recent success, music was not a large part of his life as a kid. “I loved sports — volleyball, basketball, soccer. I joined all the sports teams.”

When he was 18 and attending the North American Baptist College, his sister gave him a worship CD. A revelation hit him one day while listening to it in the car. “I could feel God’s presence and I had an overwhelming sense that God was with me.”

He taught himself to play an acoustic guitar and within a few months was asked to lead a band.

Today Bauer has travelled to virtually every American state and spends about 70 per cent of his touring time down south. “It’s easier than touring in Canada. You don’t have to drive far to get to a new centre. And there’s been a lot of open arms in welcoming us.”

While the motorhome is a convenient way to bundle up the family of four for a typical two-month tour, the gasoline bills are hefty. “It’s definitely a challenge. It goes 600 kilometres with a $250 fill and you have to cover your costs.”

Bauer, who is also a World Vision artist and sponsors eight children, is planning a trip to Uganda in the fall. “They [World Vision] provide schools, health care, immunization for children, water and they help communities get up and running.”

This is one artist that walks the talk. “All of us are encouraged to show mercy, grace and love. I encourage everyone to reach out to someone in need and make this a better place.”