3 Leg Torso

3 Leg Torso

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 17, 1998)
• Original Release Date: March 17, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: 3lt Musicology
• ASIN: B000006E0U
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #234,421 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Baym Rebyn in Palesteena

2. Cat and the Rooster

3. 3+3+3+3+2+2

4. Awakened Somnambulist

5. To the Little Radio

6. Morrocan Jig

7. Stolen Tango

8. Divertissements for Performing Bears

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

From a bare-bones description, 3 Leg Torso don't sound like they'd be much fun to listen to: a violinist, cellist, and accordionist, with some occasional guest percussion, mixing up Eastern European and modern chamber-music influences--all the while remaining open for the occasional bit of improvisation. So it's a wonderful surprise that their debut album does work. Here's why: by keeping their songs short, they remain playful and inviting, never pushing a piece too far; the three musicians--Bela Belogh, Gabe Leavitt, and Courtney Von Drehle--audibly enjoy playing together rather than as a trio of soloists; and the songs tell stories--close your eyes, and you'll see the silent movies that the compositions go with. Though not as fully polished as those by some other ensembles, this album should be rewarding for fans of the Kronos Quartet and Rachel's. --Randy Silver

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A dancer's opinion: Well, it isn't tango, but ..., November 1, 2000

By	madhatter (Bozeman, MT USA) - See all my reviews

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Piazzolla having tea with Bartok in a Parisian cafe, October 26, 1999

By	B.S. (Chicago) - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not the klezmer you expect, June 17, 2001

By	"maddyd" (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

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.