Tune #93: Joker Jam - Traffic

Where are they now?

JOKER JAM - TRAFFIC (ORIGINAL MIX)


Joker Jam was the birth child of German producers Uwe Hölters and Bart van der Zwaan. Their first track was Innocence, released in 2001 by Red Series (possibly a label set up by themselves). Supported and remixed by Paul Van Dyk, it was also re-released by Green Martian (subsidiary label of the Bonzai guys) in Belgium and by Five AM in UK. Additionally, it was featured in many mix and comp CDs, achieving great success in the club scene.

The popularity of the track secured a new release called Traffic (not to be confused with Tiesto's track!!!) in the following year. The new production was included in the eighth installment of In Trance We Trust series, crafted by DJ Ton T.B. (mostly known as the one half of the alias Three Drives On A Vinyl). While the DJ mix is not very interesting in terms of flow and track selection (however, we should not deny the greatness of Ton T.B. as a producer), one of the highlights is undoubtedly this track.

I am wondering why such an energetic track like Traffic was not licensed in more compilations, since it is a progressive trancer which is capable for taking the listener to a euphoric atmosphere. I guess that Innocence stole its thunder, being the first production. Anyway, the usual suspect of that era Yoogie Van Bellen steps in on remix duties, adding his unique touch for a blissful listening experience. Additionally, a guitar-free version is also featured, performed by Joker Jam.

JOKER JAM - TRAFFIC (VAN BELLEN REMIX)


JOKER JAM - TRAFFIC (SUNSET MIX)


So, where are they now? Uwe has teamed up with fellow "Düsseldorfian" Felix Kessler to form a new project called Danzzer. No track has been released officially yet, since the duo is seeking for singers and songwriters to collaborate with them (according to their Soundcloud account).
Although his music output outnumbers considerably Uwe's work, Bart seems to be inactive for many years (at least according to Discogs!). However, he has found a new passion in handmade crafts!

Happy New Year!