Visiting Dog by Makak

In the summer of 1995, Makak produced and recorded their first and only album, Visiting Dog. Visiting Dog is a tour-de-force in the genre of world beat. In addition to compositions written by the band, Makak draws influences from around the globe. African beats merge with Middle Eastern belly dance rhythms in a confluence of rhythmic ecstasy. Makak incorporates these influences by focussing on their essences and reinterpreting them in their own unique way.

The album, originally released on cassette only, is divided into the Studio Side -- tracks 1-6 -- and the Live Side -- tracks 7-13.

Makak's music has always been immediately accessible to a wide audience. Wherever they play, audiences of diverse musical tastes find themselves inextricably drawn into the infectious primal sound of Makak's live performances. Using an extensive array of percussion instruments with origins from around the world, as well as some made by members of the band, Makak invokes images and sounds of faraway places and cultures.

The seeds of Makak were planted in October 1993, during a curanderismo festival in Espinazo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Willman and Rowley-Yugen started drumming on plastic buckets and tin cans one afternoon and soon the entire camp, as well as passing locals, had joined in. This led to their first gig, in June 1994, where Willman and Rowley-Yugen joined Keith Krause in a found object performance at the request of a local arts publication. Makak then performed at a variety of events, including art openings, benefits for local charities, a statewide leadership conference, and the annual Bob Marley Festival.

Makak's music is immediately accessible to a wide audience. Wherever they play, audiences of diverse musical tastes find themselves drawn into the infectious primal/tribal sound of Makak's live performances. Using an extensive array of percussion instruments with origins from around the world, as well as some made by members of the band, Makak evokes images and sounds of far away places.