Not from here
(June 7, 2007) It may be obvious if you follow this music column, I’m a sucker for Gypsy-ish violins, accordions, café music, retro-Euro stuff and for mixers and mergers who leapfrog genres.That said, I love Portland’s who touch all of the above to craft a sound that defies categorization.
From the title of the band’s most recent album, Astor in Paris , I’d initially guessed that the concept might be something like tangonuevo master Astor Piazzolla teaming with the Hot Club of Paris.
Not exactly, according to accordionist Courtney Von Drehle, who explained that the album was named for a tune on the record. “ For that tune, I imagined what it would be like if Astor Piazzolla were born in France, and played nuevo musette or something like that.”
In the beginning the band was a trio with Courtney on accordion, violinist/trumpeter Béla Balogh, and a cellist. Courtney and Béla had been playing together in Lobe, an “art rock” band, up until 1996. “We had learned some Eastern European tunes,” said Courtney, “and I convinced Béla we should go out busking.”
Truth is, if 3 Leg Torso reminded me of any bands I’ve heard, it would be the street bands that played for tips at various points on our Italian vacation. (The guys were relieved that I was not reminded of Borat.)
“I didn’t really want to force our music on strangers,” said Béla, but in a moment of weakness he agreed. For some reason while arranging the gigs, the guys would adopt faux accents in imitation of Béla’s Hungarian grandmother.
“I’d call and say, ‘Hello, meester,’ and we’d go out. We’d dress in hokey clothing…” said Béla.
“And we’d use those accents whenever we’d talk with people,” interjected Courtney.
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