Motion Trio, Play-Station (Asphalt Tango)


Poland’s Motion Trio (not to be confused with jazz drummer Paul Motian’s long-running trio) proudly display their allegiance to the acoustic accordion, brandishing their squeezeboxes like weaponry (or manhood) on the disc’s cover. The liner notes boldly declare their concept to take the accordion from its traditional roots into more modern zones, but judging from their statement that, after the early 20th Century, “nothing really new” occurred “for quite some time,” we can deduce that they’re not familiar with the significant accordion work of Pauline Oliveros, Guy Klucevek, and Andrea Parkins. No matter, because if one simply ignores the hype of the packaging, it becomes obvious that Motion Trio’s music is more about fun than genuine innovation. The group’s bold sonics and furious tempi are celebratory in a manner similar to a lot of neo-Klezmer and contemporary Gypsy music like Taraf De Haidouks, which leads me to think that they’re a blast to see live. So consider this disc a loud introduction and some wild dance music for your next sausage party.