There is an echelon that separates many protestant churches. One side is the traditional liturgical type that recites hymns and old prayers written hundreds of years ago. The other side features the modern types that are making new songs featuring gut-busting guitar solos and lyrics about our feelings about God. Those artists that attempt to tread this echelon aren't always successful, but a few come out of this challenge shining like stars. Jadon Lavik's new venture, Roots Run Deep(er), is one that might very well come out being an exceptional project.

The truth is, most of these songs aren't any new songs that you haven't heard before. If you grew up going to an older church that had an old hymnal on the back of the pew, these were there. However, these renditions breathe fresh life into these amazing songs. Songs like "Great is Thy Faithfulness," "Be Thou My Vision" and "Solid Rock" are given a bluegrass twist that would make Alison Krauss proud. Musically, these tracks are raw yet polished and feature excellent use of instrumentation.

A wonderful thing about the album is that most tracks could be usable during any church service; artistic interpretations of "My Jesus I Love Thee," "Closer Walk" and "Be Still My Soul" would make for wonderful additions to the Sunday morning set list. "How Great Thou Art" and "Doxology" are given wonderful minor key treatment that is very impressive, however, they aren't really versions that might work in a congregational context, but they would work well as prayer and special music during a service.

Fortunately, the greatest track on the album, "It is Well," is usable in any and all contexts. The sweet use of piano and delicate percussion give this timeless song great depth and clarity; Lavik's use of soft vocals in a great touch as well. This version is, truthfully, one of the greatest renditions I have heard to date; it pays homage to the original while unleashing incredible interpretation.

On the echelon of tradition and modern, Jadon Lavik has proven to be one that can walk the line. His approach to hymns honors the timeless melodies while embracing the biblical context of a "new song." It's simply breathtaking. If you are looking for fresh versions of some songs of old, this is a great album to get.