Eastern Eye

Eastern Eye unites three of the most influential contemporary musicians from East Europe and Swiss drummer Marc Halbheer. The outstanding Quartet plays a fascinating and original fusion of jazz and the music of Balkan origin.

Milcho Leviev (†), the legendary Bulgarian pianist and composer known as the “Godfather of Balkan Jazz,” was the original piano player for Eastern Eye. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 82.

Antoni Donchev is a highly awarded Bulgarian pianist and a model contemporary musician. As a skilled performer and composer, he effortlessly combines jazz styles with folklore and classical music. He will join Eastern Eye in 2024 to complete the current lineup.

Pantelis Stoikos is a remarkable trumpet and kaval player, recognized as one of the most significant performers of his instruments in the Balkan region. His unique sound is deeply moving and resonates with great authenticity. Critics have referred to him as the “Miles Davis of the Balkans.”

Yiotis Kiourtsoglou is a Greek bass player who pioneered the integration of his country’s folkloric traditions into modern styles. He has influenced many musicians in his region and was the top choice for Greek bass players for many years. His collaboration with drummer Marc Halbheer has lasted over 35 years.

Marc Halbheer is characterized by an open mind and flexibility, qualities that define the Swiss master drummer. He originally founded this band. His experience across various musical styles has taken him to festivals and concert halls worldwide. Halbheer and Kiourtsoglou met in Los Angeles in 1988, and they have collaborated in many different musical settings ever since.

The album Eastern Eye: Live at Moods in Zurich was released in 2012 by Halbheer’s label, Texit Music.