Ben Makinen: News

Tom Ball and Ben Makinen are in pre-productioin for master euphonium player Tom Ball's second album project. Initial tracking is slated to begin on May 19th in Greeley, Colorado. The euphonium and trombone playing of Ball, and the percussion talent of Makinen, will be joined by pianist Dana Landry and bassist Eric Applegate. Ball's first abbum, titled Fishleather Jacket, won the prestigious Roger Bobo Excellence In Recording Award in 2006. Ball's second album will again feature his original songs, one of which, titled Funky Pants, has a high probability of becoming the CD's title track. Visit Tom Ball at http://www.jazzeuphonium.com

Vintage footage from the now defunct Brendan's Pub featuring Dan Treanor, David Booker and Ben Makinen.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

(people around the world are welcome to participate in this US tradition: Simply thank someone who has helped you in any way at any point in your life. It's cool and it feels groovy - for those on a budget, it's free!!

FWINTER

Chie Imaizumi's Jazz Orchestra is performing live, on-air, Friday Oct 12, 4 pm MST for the KUVO 89.3 FM fund drive. Makinen will be playing percussion with this all-star band. Stream the show by going to www.kuvo.org then click on "LIsten Now".

Find out How & Why on my latest video:

Ben Makinen's composition Good Night has reached #19 on the American Idol Underground's Electroinca chart:
http://www.idolunderground.com/Pages/Charts/ChartDetail.aspx?GenreID=4

Good Night is the first track on Makinen's CD Lost Lullaby. The CD is for sale at CDBaby http://cdbaby.com/group/benmakinen
and individual tracks can be downloaded at iTunes and Rhapsody.

Introductions were made between Japan's star composer Chie Imaizuma and American born percussionist Ben Makinen. Facilitated by the talented trumpeter Greg Gisbert, the discussion resulted in Makinen accepting the offer to perform in Imazuma's All-Star Big Band. Respect and Honor flowed in abundance at this historic meeting. Please visit Chie Imaizuma's web site http://www.thousandpitures.org

and check out her newest release Unfailing Kindness on Capri Records.

Imaizuma's Big Band is performing every Thursday night at Denver's El Chapultapec Too.

Wishing to keep the announcement within a very small circle of acquaintences, a friend of mine told me of his engagement to his lovely girlfriend this evening. His elation is contagious and the two of them make a perfect couple. I wish you two the best in life!

Ben Makinen has released his first short film, Mr. Keys, to YouTube. Shot while on tour in the 90s, this 3 minute short tells the story of an electrician and his keys.