"String"a group project

Len's Lounge's latest disc shows band's new dimensions
Len's Lounge's earlier disc, Road Dog, was pretty much a solo album by lonesome troubadour Jeff Roberson. But as the title hints, String band is a real group effort. After countless local gigs, Len's Lounge has coalesced into a solid working unit.

Mr. Roberson's dry, world-weary vocals and downhome acoustic guitar remain the bedrock of Len's Lounge. But with a steady group of players, there are a few more dimensions to the band. Mr. Roberson has wisely kept it low-key. There's nothing flashy here, just simple songs (even one called "Simple Song") played and sung with sincerity.

Annie Winslow steals the show with her "Time Can't Take Away", an alt-mountain song that recalls Julie Miller, and her hopeful ballad, "You'll See The Sun Again." She's a talent to watch. Guests include Ass pony's Dave Morrison, Ed Cunningham, Swarthy and, on banjo, Newky Stapleton.

The 11-song CD ends with the anthemic "Big Spring Church", a slow, hypnotic ballad that gets a psychedelic edge from Toby Ellis' dreamy, arpeggiated guitar.

String band is a portrait of a group heading into some interesting new directions, and fans of rootsy, contemporary music should come along for the ride.

Larry Nager, Cincinnati Enquirer