TRAKTORKESTAR

A wild wind band and an energy-packed Balkan Beat

Traktorkestar promises to be one of the best surprises of JazzAscona 2025. Formed some 15 years ago in Bern and consisting of twelve musicians, this overwhelming wind ensemble (three trumpets, as many trombones/flugelhorns, two saxes and a helicone – accompanied by percussion, snare drum and bass drum) is inspired by Balkan sounds and rhythms. The group, which has also recently collaborated with leading figures in Swiss music such as Birdman Jäggi or Stephan Eicher, is experiencing growing success thanks to a sound full of energy and a repertoire that is not limited to Balkan Beat, but joyfully integrates reggae, hip-hop and ballads in Swiss German dialect into a mix that invites celebration. “We have never tried to be a group that makes authentic Balkan music. We celebrate this music, with its unique energy and original formations, but we do it in our own way, with great openness and a desire to amaze and entertain,” says Balthasar Streit, trumpeter, band leader and founder.