Amid all the major changes and busyness in his life, Jadon Lavik found time to record and self-produce his third full-length project on BEC Recordings, a collection of classic hymns titled Roots Run Deep.
This effort represents a considerable change in direction musically and thematically. "It's definitely a departure from the first two records," he says. "I hope people dig it. It's not super polished or overly produced, but it's really raw, acoustic and real."
Lavik says he's always wanted to do a hymns project, especially since he grew up in a traditional church in the state of Washington where he developed a love and appreciation for the standards of the faith. "I love old hymns," the troubadour confesses. "For me, this is not about making a strategic career move. I wanted to do it because I have a deep reverence for the songs."
Roots Run Deep features a cavalcade of familiar classics such as "Come Thou Fount," "I Surrender All," "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," "I Need Thee Every Hour," "Take My Life" and "Amazing Grace," all supported by Lavik's sturdy yet seemingly effortless vocals. But just because the song titles may be recognizable, listeners shouldn't expect the melodies to sound too familiar.
"All the arrangements are unique, and some of them don't sound much like the originals," Lavik explains. "I composed and produced virtually the whole project, and I worked hard to present my interpretation of each hymn. Roots provides a true representation of who I am."
Of all the hymns on Roots, Lavik shares that "Blessed Assurance" is his favorite, at least for the moment. "It turned out really rad," he says. "There's such a powerful message of hope-filled praise in the lyrics."
Lavik hopes Roots Run Deep will resonate with fans and new listeners alike, but he is quick to emphasize the project's organic, unsophisticated style. "The whole record has an intimate feel, like what it would sound like if you came and sat in my living room and I shared it with you and a few friends."
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ROOTS RUN DEEP| Posted September 29, 2008
After releasing two critically-acclaimed albums—Moving on Faith and Life on the Inside—and touring alongside Rebecca St. James and BarlowGirl, Jadon Lavik decided to dig into some of his favorite hymns on Roots Run Deep. His love and appreciation for the standards of the faith shine through on the self-produced album.
Roots Run Deep features familiar classics such as “Come Thou Fount,” “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” “I Need Thee Every Hour” and “Take My Life,” all supported by his sturdy yet seemingly effortless vocals. What sets this album apart from the pack of recent hymns albums are the original arrangements and melodies, as he creates his own interpretation of each hymn using simple instrumentation for an intimate sound. Lavik is joined by industry veteran Fernando Ortega on “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” a highlight of the album. “What a Wondrous Love is This” is a fresh take of this hymn which showcases Lavik’s guitar style, while “Amazing Grace” takes on an acoustic, jazzy feel. The album’s melodic sounds draw listeners into a quiet place, especially on “My Father’s World” and “I Surrender All.” With an acoustic vibe comparable to Brandon Heath and Warren Barfield, Roots Run Deep is an organic “unplugged” worship experience. - Rachel Harrold
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
Roots Run Deep| Posted September 12, 2008
A worship leader in Southern California and Christian recording artist with a growing support base, Jadon Lavik is no stranger to the hymns. He was inspired to record Roots Run Deep by his traditional church upbringing in Washington and has done so out of a "deep reverence for the hymns." The reverence is apparent. Roots Run Deep is raw, emotive and-what's the word?-ah yes, authentic. With a bit of a departure for previous releases, Lavik focused on elegantly spare arrangements of piano, acoustic guitar and vocals, focusing on the heart of the hymns. The entire album is dripping with the richness of earthy vocals and raw acoustic guitar. "Come Thou Fount" is an organic standout. "Wondrous Love" is upbeat, Jack Johnson-y, and even though it's a bit more produced, Lavik's crooning drives the song forth in praise. The earthy sound really captures the album title-Jadon Lavik taps into a raw musical talent to deliver the hymns in the purest sense. Roots Run Deep is the first step in a great direction for Lavik.
great cd| Posted March 01, 2009
"Roots Run Deep" by Jadon Lavik is a great piece of work.Jadon Lavik does a great job of singing classic hymns and adding some of his style to the classics.All in all "Roots Run Deep " is a great buy for anyone who enjoys hymns,contemporary Christian,or just enjoys Jadon.
love it!!!| Posted August 08, 2008
I absolutely love this cd!! Jadon Lavik did an amazing job with is own versions of these great hymns. A few of my favorites that he did where Come Thou Fount, I Surrender All, Turn Your Eyes, and honestly they all are awesome! :D
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