BY MIKE BREEN

It's going to be a Roots Rock/Folk music lover's dream night at the Southgate House on Saturday. Local label 3rd Silo Records will see the release of its first two CDs in one record release party extravaganza. The label -- which recently changed its name from Northern Aggression to reflect its focus on Americana and Roots music -- is putting out the brand new disc from The Stapletons (see "Locals Only," below), as well as String Band, the new long-player from Len's Lounge. On Saturday, Len's Lounge plays the Southgate's upstairs parlour, while The Stapletons headline the club's ballroom. A $6 cover gets you access to the whole shebang.

Without a doubt, String Band is Len's Lounge's finest recorded effort in its 10-year existence, from the crispness of the production quality to the richness and proficiency of both the performances and the songwriting. Lounge frontguy Jeff Roberson leads the accomplished band through 11 tracks of mountain Folk that comes across more direct and pure than past efforts, due in large part to the organic, acoustic nature of the performances. The band's current lineup is also its strongest, with each member doing the most with their roles, from Annette Christianson's sublimely slithering violin and Paul Cavins' anchoring bass bounce to the tuned-in guitar/mandolin/banjo interplay between Roberson, Toby Ellis, Ann Winslow and guest Newky Stapleton, which makes the disc's title oh-so appropriate.

Song-wise, Roberson's "West of the Wabash" and "Big Spring Church" are majestic album high-points, guided gracefully by his sonorous vocal presence. The songs, with their visceral imagery (both lyrically and sonically) and distinctly Appalachian vibe, sum up Len's Lounge's strength and power. Besides her savory harmonies, Winslow emerges as a not-so-secret weapon on String Band, with two outstanding songwriting contributions, "Green" and "Time Can't Take Away." Where previous Lounge efforts have had a "gruff but loveable" appeal, String Band finds the band's edges exquisitely whittled into a direct point.

For more on Len's Lounge, dial up lenslounge.com or 3rdsilo.com.

Local Notes
· Local music vets Brian Lovely, Teddy Wilburn and Steve Schmidt have formed a new Jazz group called Three Speed. The band plays on Saturday at Arlin's and the show is free.

· Another new band, Super Ghetto Porsche, will perform Saturday at the BarrelHouse, opening for Philosopher's Stone. SGP -- who describe their style as "original Funk with a touch of Soul" -- features ex-Heavy Weather guitarist Josh Knarr, singer Derrick Sanderson and the rhythm section of Chris Laile (bass) and David Thomas (drums), who previously held down the beat for the Marvel B's.

· It's another acoustic "theme" night at the York Street Café on Sunday, as locals tackle their favorite holiday songs for a "Holiday Hootenanny." The 7 p.m. show is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items which will be donated to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. Acts slated to appear include Ryan Adcock, David Rhodes Brown (Warsaw Falcons), Benj Clarke, Chris Collier, Scott Cunningham (Promenade), Mike Landis, Todd Lipscomb (T. Lips & Combs), Greg Mahan, Messerly & Ewing, Kevin Nolan (Saving Ray), Ashley Peacock, Dave Purcell (Pike 27), Shawna Snyder, Swarthy, Kim Taylor, Venus Mission, David Wolfenberger and Wussy.

· At Sudsy's on Friday, Punk crew 16 Piece Bucket will host a Friday the 13th spectacular. Besides the Bucket, music will be provided by the Hypochondriacs, DJ Josh Falcon, Kid Valance and Jumbo Slim and Freaky Jim. The night will also serve as the world premiere of the short film, Troycula "The Beer Hunter," starring 16 Piece Bucket drummer Troy Bryant as a vampire who craves beer over blood. The movie will be shown at around 12:15 a.m. Music starts at 9 p.m.

· On Thursday, it's a chance to see the next generation of local original bands. Gardenhose, Eyesore and Helifino each participated in this year's "Rumble" band competition at Bogart's (Helifino took first place), and on Thursday they'll all three be playing together at the Southgate House.

E-mail Mike Breen

Printer-friendly version

Tom Koehne, 1975-2002 By Mike Breen (December 5, 2002)

Wade in the Deep End By Mike Breen (November 27, 2002)

CD Release Frenzy By Mike Breen (November 21, 2002)

more...

Locals Only: Going Pro Ryan Adcock goes from hobbyist to full-time musician with new album (December 5, 2002)

Short Takes Reviews of Badly Drawn Boy, Donnie and Audioslave (November 27, 2002)

Outtakes Reviews of New Music Showcase, Bruce Spingsteen, the Blues and Boogie Piano Summit and Readymaid (November 21, 2002)

more...

personals | cover | news | columns | music | movies | arts | dining | listings | classifieds | mediakit | promotions | home

Locals Only: Swinging 'Low'
The Stapletons turn heartache and crisis into Low Dealers...and Hangers On

Short Takes
Reviews of Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man, Crimson Sweet and Avail

Positively Yeah Yeah Yeah
New Tunes

Gig of the Week
Army of Freshman

Music Listings