Salty Christian Gospel Blues.

11 MP3 Songs
GOSPEL: Traditional Gospel, BLUES: Piano Blues



Details:
Somewhere in the ancient annals of music mélange is the recipe for Jon Augustine. Start by mixing a heavy cup of Elton John with a serving of the gospel train, pepper in some Billy Joel wit and a dash of Ray Charles sensibilities. Simmer over a medium blues flame. Throw in a UCLA music degree for show and a jazz pianist father for DNA and you've got Salty Christian Gospel Blues.

Unafraid of jazz chords but not pretentious enough to shy away from pop melody, Jon holds a Master's Degree in Uplifting Souls from the Schools of Ministry and Life. Born in Santa Monica, raised in the 70's, Jon devoured a steady diet of old school jazz from his dad's combo rehearsals in their upstairs apartment on 28th street. Classically trained as a vocalist and seasoned on many stages as a performer, he recently returned to the studio for his solo release, "Carry Me Home" releasing in October of 2006.

His first solo recording in years, Jon collaborates with Northern California Christian blues veteran Will Derryberry on âCarry Me Homeâ. This collection radiates spiritual enthusiasm, celebrates Godâs real presence and allows room for calm introspection. New hope is breathed into some old spirituals, and an old spirit breathes out some new tunes in this October 2006 release.

Jon's Extended Bio:

1971. Born in Santa Monica Hospital to Bill and Rita, younger brother to Kristen, two years his senior

1979. Played his first instrument, the alto saxophone, with the help of his musician dad and Grant Elementary Schoolâs outstanding music program

1984 - 1989. Hit puberty hard. Learned to cope by surfing in cold water and playing piano.

1986 â 1989. Trained in classical voice by Mrs. Linda Allen Anderson of Santa Monica High School. Competed as three-time finalist in Kiwanis Vocal Soloist Competitions, All-State SCVA solo finalist, pushed to excel by Mrs. Aâs wonderfully maniacal passion and musical perfection. Played the lead in Sound of Music, Little Shop of Horrors, West Side Story

1989. Granted the Steve Lawrence / Edie Gorme vocal scholarship to attend UCLAâs School of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance.

1991. Sweepstakes Award Winner for UCLAâs Spring Sing â best of all categories.

1991. Appeared on five episodes of Star Search, making it to the semi-finals, dubbed as âone of the best discoveries of the yearâ

1991. Became a Christian at UCLA after pondering things greater than self-promotion and popularity

1994-2003. The Ministry Years: Married Lori (also a Bruin), added three children, Jake, Luke and Sophia to the family, led campus ministries at UCLA & USC

2004. Produced CD Demo âJon Augustineâ featuring 6 originals, one co-written with legendary jazz composer and teacher Bill âPoppa Augâ Augustine

2004. Won Ryan Seacrestâs âBe A Starâ Contest on L.A. Radio Station STAR 98.7 â recipient of $10,000 cash, a Volkswagen Beetle, and a demo produced by Hollywood Records (also the winner of an iPod he has yet to receive)

2004. Moved to Sacramento after heading north looking for free parking and a few more trees.

2006. Produced first solo gospel CD âCarry Me Homeâ with blues singer/songwriter/guitarist Will Derryberry. Coined the term âSalty Christian Gospel Bluesâ to describe his style of music.