AMG Review of 3 Leg Torso

Tom Schulte
All Music Guide

An Eastern European flavor and improvisation serve as the basis for the 3 Leg Torso modern chamber ensemble approach. The trio that creates this instrumental music, often with a "nuevo tango" rhythm, plays violin, cello, and accordion. The recording also includes percussion. Leading the group is violinist Bela Balogh, a first-generation American and third-generation Hungarian musician. The trio's approach includes the tango transformation of Astor Piazzolla with a non-traditional approach to classical and folk instrumentation. In 3 Leg Torso's music, insistent and urgent staccato dance rhythms, quickly paced, underlie Eastern European tone coloring. Suggesting the Balkan sounds are legato passages on the violin and accordion. This contrast and complexity keep the group's tunes fresh and interesting.