Choban Elektrik is a Brooklyn, NY based ensemble performing the folk music of the Balkan region on electric instruments in a new and exciting way. The band is available for parties, concerts, festivals and public events. The band can come as small as an acoustic trio or as large as an electric 5-piece, featuring vocals and a 5th instrumentalist.

Choban Elektrik brings a fresh and unique approach to Balkan folk music. On their debut CD released spring 2012, the Hammond Organ and Fender Rhodes keyboard are the most prominent instruments heard, though the Fender Rhodes is often treated with heavy amounts of effects, giving it an electric guitar-like sound. Loops, tape echo, heavy reverb, filters, and modulators all give the recording a sound not usually heard on Balkan folk recordings.

Their repertoire is made up of traditional folk tunes and songs from the mainly the southern Balkans, including Albania, Greece, Macedonia and Bulgaria, including the music of the Roma (Gypsy) people.
Band members include:
Jordan Shapiro - keyboards, guitar
Dave Johnsen - electric bass
Phil Kester - drums, percussion

appearing on select tracks on CD and in concert:
Eva Salina Primack - vocals
Jesse Kotansky - violin

If a prog rock power trio had ever sprung up in the mountains of Albania, it would have sounded like Brooklyn's Choban Elektrik (“Electric Shepherds”). They use the vintage grit and funk of the Hammond organ and Fender Rhodes, along with drumset and electric bass to open up new facets of Albanian, Macedonian, Greek and Armenian traditional songs. The band adds this classic American soulful sound to the music of the Balkans in a far reaching open jazz rock approach that combines influences from across the spectrum of world music.