Customer Reviews

3 Leg Torso

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was browsing the tango category, and being an international folk dancer too, couldn't resist this. It truly is as good as they say, but only the first cut is appropriate for tango. It's a waltz with a wonderfully exotic flavor. We tried to tango to the Divertissement, but my partner collapsed from the strain. The rhythm seems to be 2-2-3-3-2-2 (but not all the way through), so it might work for a Balkan dance. The Morrocan Jig is also a great dance tune--it switches from jig time to some sort of Balkan rhythm, also too fast for tango. As for Stolen Tango, part of it could be used for tango, but it also changes rhythms. That's what's so intriguing about this music: the rhythm changes are so unexpected, and delightful.

There's a whole new genre of wonderfully weird chamber music bubbling up from the edgy underworld of new music these days and it's about time. Great playing and inventive tongue-in-cheek dust offs of the usual "serious" classical music forbidden realm with a bit of gypsy bite. Check out Tiny Hat Trio from SF as well. And Turtle Island String Quartet too. This stuff is swell.

I first heard 3 Leg Torso on NPR. I was enchanted by the brief excerpt of music they played, and the story of how these young men came to play this sort of music. I came home and immediately ordered the CD. I've not been disappointed! This is a great CD. The music is wonderful, and it's got a sense of humor, to boot. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the sound of strings. The only thing lacking (and I didn't really miss it until I thought about 'typical' klezmer) was the clarinet.

I actually bought this CD. This is unusual since I'm in the CD manufacturing business and usually get my CDs as gifts from Record Labels and artists. I heard them perform and all I can say is Wow! When I heard them interviewed on NPR, I thought that justice had been served.

These Portland-ers are highly talented. I've had the good fortune to see them play live on a number of occassions here in Portland OR and 5 stars doens't do them justice. For those of you who haven't the time to visit the northwest to catch a live show, this CD is the next best thing, highlighting some of their wonderful pieces. The songs are extremely expressive, many of them telling entire stories, without any lyrics. Tunes like "The Awakened Somnambulist" and "The Cat and the Rooster" are full of wonderful imagery. "3+3+3+3+2+2" and "Morrocan Jig" are highlights, each a spirited fast moving piece. Worth every penny. I only wish I had paid for my copy from the musicians themselves, so Amazon wouldn't have gleaned any funds from out of their pockets. Keep your eyes peeled for another CD.

I've become a big fan of 3 Leg Torso since they played at the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle in 2004. Mesmerized by the beautiful music, especially the violin, I bought both of their CDs, which I have listened to for numerous times. I was lucky to see them play live three times in Seattle. Hope they release more CDs and come here more often.

OK. Not too often does music this cool, interesting, gorgeous and inventive come along. 3 Leg Torso: I give you a big kiss! What can I say? Buy this cd! They're wonderful. As one reviewer said: 5 stars isn't enough. I have a friend from Portland who saw them live and he couldn't stop raving. When will you come to upstate New York? We're waiting...

This unexpected ensemble of violin, cello and accordion sounds like a cross between the Kronos Quartet and a wild third world folk band. The pieces on the CD are mostly originals and have a sensibility that is influenced by Piazzolla, Klezmer, and modern chamber music. The music often tells a visual story, shifting moods from joyous to romantic to introspective to humorous. I highly recommend this recording! It's the kind of thing one might hear on National Public Radio.