Béla Balogh, Violin-trumpet
Courtney Von Drehle, Accordion
Michael Papillo, Double Bass
Gary Irvine, Mallets, drum kit, various percussion
TJ Arko, Mallets, drum kit, various percussion
The Band:
3 Leg Torso formed in 1996 as violin, cello and accordion trio with the mission of creating original modern chamber music for their unique instrumentation. Over the following years the band has expanded both its musical mission and its size to become a quintet that now performs its eclectic synthesis of chamber music, tango, klezmer, latin and world music. As principal composers, founding members Béla Balogh (on violin and trumpet) and Courtney Von Drehle (on accordion) provide the core of 3 Leg Torso’s sound. They are joined by veteran percussionist/mallet player Gary Irvine, the fastidious mallets/percussion of T.J. Arko and the fiery upright bass player Michael Papillo.
The bands history began with street performances, which they titled "Meestering", and has led to their releasing two CDs (3 Leg Torso and Astor in Paris), East Coast and West Coast tours, performances with symphony orchestras and a profile on National Public Radio’s "All Things Considered" . The cinematic nature of their music has made it a natural for them to work with many independent film makers. These collaborations have included scoring The Dowager's Feast and The Dowager's Idyll, two films by Academy Award winning animator Joan Gratz; scoring With Hope and Help, a United Nations funded documentary on AIDS in Thailand; the piece Divertissments for Performing Bears being used as theme music for a Bosnian television series. In 2003, Von Drehle was awarded a Fellowship at the Sundance Film Composers Lab. Twice the band has been commissioned by the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art to create new evening length works, most recently involving a collaboration with David Greenberger, the originator of The Duplex Planet.
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Watch Teller's zombie movie that includes 3 Leg Torso's tune "Elliot's Dream" below. Also -- note the stylish 3 Leg Torso shirt Teller is wearing while he kills zombies! & Teller ..
The new True Margrit CD - The Juggler's Progress - is now available for pre-order, along with t-shirts and artwork, photo and drumheads, check it out here: http://bit.ly/7Cu8J
Next shows: October 28, Jazzbones in Tacoma, WA October 30, Mississippi Pizza in Portland, OR October 31, Nana's Irish Grill and Pub in Newport, OR November 1, Muddy's Hot Cup in Arcata, CA November 5, Molly Malone's in West Hollywood, CA
Our tour wraps up with the big show at San Francisco's best rock club, Bottom of the Hill! For the complete show schedule, check here: http://bit.ly/1UgGqQ
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
and special musical freaks BETWEEN RAVENS and CROWS (Los Angeles) http://www.myspace.com/betweenravensandcrows"; onmousedown="function anonymous() { UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "87a4c64955cdfbec289f3629e2e0ba1
Hi there from Cafe Musique! Are you guys coming down to Paso Robles on June 14th? Hope so, because we are planning to come hear you and finally meet !!!
Hello 3 Leg Torso and Oregon Only 3 fingers or 3 legs, what better? Welcome to our GYPSYBILLY music world "One small step for man, one giant leap for musickind". Keep on swingin. Hope to meet you soon. The Vignatis
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