Cool Projects

Improv Session with Georg Faust

Structures of the Heart

December 2, 2009; Los Angeles, CA - From an unexpected meeting on a plane to Oslo, to a recording session in Los Angeles, Georg Faust - principle cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic and jazz pianist Ben Dowling collaborated on a duet improvisation during the Berlin Philharmonic's recent concert tour appearance at Disney Hall.

With Chaka Khan at Agape

A Secret Place

I heard Chaka do the song with pianist Wayne Lindsey the Friday before Easter at "Prayers in the Wind," but he wasn't available Easter Sunday, so I was asked to learn the song and perform it with Chaka and the Agape Ensemble. It's a Richard Smallwood composition and arrangement that just smokes. Nothing like stepping up to the plate...with no run through. Fortunately it worked out fine.

Music for Two Pianos - Preston/Dowling

Music for Two Pianos - Don Preston/Ben Dowling

May 27, 2008; San Pedro, CA - Pianists Don Preston and Ben Dowling joined in a duet performance for two pianos, gongs and synthesizer at Alva's Performance Gallery this past Saturday night. In an evening of experimental music of text and concept based improvisation, the repertoire also included original works by the two artists - along with improvisations based on works of Bud Powell, Bela Bartok and Igor Stravinsky.

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Benny's Blog

Live Video – Al McKay Allstars
Hey All, Here’s an old video post of the Al McKay Allstars you might dig: Video Link Peace out, Ben
A Touch of Brazil
I’ve totally fallen in love with Brazilian harmony. I don’t know what it is – maybe the lovely minor 7th flat 5 chords and the way that they pivot to...
A Faustian Improv…
This week, I’m sharing a movement from an improvisation session I did with Berlin Philharmonic principal cellist, Georg Faust. So first of all, here’s the link: Movement 2 DL Link Here’s the story: ...
Radio Interview
Hey All, I just was interviewed on It’s Rainmaking Time. I think you might like it. Here’s the link: http://itsrainmakingtime.com/2010/bendowling/ Peace, Ben
Nature Boy – Familiar Contemplation
First of all, here’s the download link: Nature Boy Contemplative DL Link So, I’ve been thinking about a series of popular melodies within a similar stream. What do you think? ...