Balkan Brass World

Fanfara Tirana is an absolute novelty among Balkan brass bands. Although brass instruments are not entirely unknown in Albania, there has never been the equivalent of the local village or small town brass bands playing local music for weddings and other festivities, which are part of the musical landscape of many of its neighbouring countries.

In comparison with traditional Slav brass bands Fanfara Tirana is different and new thanks to the well articulated music language which is essentially based on a very enthralling melodic path with the support of other instruments. Melody is committed to the clarinet, alto sax, trumpet and tenor sax, expressing their style of pure improvisation defined as "kaba" (typical of music from South Albania) and "gazel" (typical of music from Tirana and neighboring villages).

Masterfully conducted by Usta Berati (accordionist, bass-tuba player and arranger), Fanfara Tirana presents a repertoire with traditional music and new compositions resounding of Balkan and oriental sonority. Formed by a group of friends from the Albanian Army band who decided, in a light-hearted fashion, that it might be worthwhile to form such a band, just to see what might happen. The brass ensemble has already developed a large audience in Europe. Thay play unbridled on the stage and gain the satisfaction of the public. Like their fans in Tirana say "they make dead people dance...".

Fanfara Tirana usually performs with the extraordinary voice of Hysni (Niko) Zela.

Fanfara Tirana discography