native american jazz musicians delbert anderson on trumpet with vocalist julia keefe in echoes of tradition by award winning director ben makinen of bmakin film

Delbert Anderson (Diné) & Julia Keefe (Nez Perce) have both attacked this film making provably false and defamatory statements on social media and now in court. The story unfolds on Ben's Jazz Curve patreon.com/BenMakinen This photo points at the relationships connecting a coordinated campaign among family, business and friends to derail Echoes of Tradition which they see as competition to their own doc being made on Keefe's big band. It is their attempt to control the narrative through the suppression of other artists outside of their federally funded loop.

OFFICIAL TRAILER - NATIVE BLOOD FOUND AT THE BIRTH OF JAZZ

ECHOES OF TRADITION

Uncovering the truth behind the contributions of women, native americans, and the African Diaspora to the birth of jazz

"Echoes of Tradition" is a groundbreaking documentary film by award-winning  Executive Producer and Director Ben Makinen that uncovers the often overlooked and hidden contributions of Native Americans to the genesis of jazz music through cultural intersectionality with the African Diaspora. 

"Echoes of Tradition" seeks to amplify historically marginalized voices and shed light on the erased contributions of Indigenous musicians in the creation of jazz, a genre that has shaped modern music but often fails to acknowledge its diverse roots.

Captivating storytelling, live performances, archival footage, and insightful interviews with musicians, historians, and cultural experts shed light upon the profound influence of America’s Indigenous musical traditions on the Birth of Jazz.

Contributions from internationally recognized recording artists, GRAMMY winners and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts headliners R. Carlos Nakai (also serving as a Producer & Cultural Advisor), Ingrid Jensen, Julia Keefe, Delbert Anderson, Endea Owens and more!

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PRESS!

"ECHOES IS BEAUTIFULLY SHOT AND EDITED WITH A RELAXED FEEL THAT FLOWS LIKE WATER."  - Bruce Boyd Raeburn, Curator of the Hogan Jazz Archives, Tulane University

 

"BEN MAKINEN’S LATEST DOCUMENTARY IS A COMPREHENSIVE AND ABSORBING DOCUMENTARY THAT BREAKS TRADITION BY HIGHLIGHTING EXCEPTIONAL AND GROUNDBREAKING MUSICIANS WHILE CALLING FOR CHANGE." - The Sleepless Critic

Click for Sleepless Critic Full Review

 

 


 

Director Ben Makinen with Echoes of Tradition Producer & Cultural Advisor R. Carlos Nakai

CRITIC'S PRAISE!

The Sleepless Critic Reviews Echoes Of Tradition

"Filmed all over the world with multilayered cinematography and a blend of modern and vintage flair of city landscapes as well as historical portraits and photos, Echoes of Tradition offers wonderful behind the scenes footage, insight from distinctive jazz musicians, some memorable jam sessions and much more..."

READ FULL REVIEW

Ingrid Jensen Dean of Jazz Arts Manhattan School of Music

Tanya Darby Chair of Brass Dept Berklee College of Music
Official movie poster for Echoes of Tradition, a documentary film by Ben Makinen. Features vibrant artwork highlighting Native American and jazz motifs. Includes laurels for Best Documentary

Echoes of Tradition — Still Standing. Still Singing.
  A legally protected, award-winning documentary uncovering the Native American roots of jazz.   🥰Despite attempted efforts to suppress or de-platform Echoes of Tradition, our film stands firm — legally shielded, ethically produced, and emotionally resonant.   🐲Every story in this film was gathered with signed releases, artistic transparency, and cultural collaboration. Attempts to silence this work have been met with swift legal countermeasures and documented through formal filings with federal oversight bodies, including the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), the 🚨🚨🚨FBI… with ongoing inquiries involving HHS contracting pathways.   But that’s just the behind-the-scenes story.   🎁On screen, Echoes of Tradition comes alive with performances and interviews that will move you, thrill you, and expand your understanding of America’s most iconic musical form.🪘🎭🪘 Featuring celebrated voices from across Native, LGBTQ+, Black, and Creole traditions, this is a film about creative survival, shared heritage, and the rhythms that shaped a nation.   🥁Watch the trailer, explore behind-the-scenes footage, and join the growing chorus standing behind the First Amendment rights of artists and storytellers.   This film cannot be silenced — because history never really was. And the Echo is Forever.   [Watch Now | Learn More | Join the Movement]
 

DJ & Vocalist Harleen Singh in Echoes of Tradition