Faruq Z. Bey | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jesse Davis (1942-02-04)February 4, 1942 |
| Died | June 1, 2012(2012-06-01) (aged 70) Detroit, Michigan |
| Genres | Free jazz |
| Occupations | Musician, poet |
| Instrument | Saxophone |
Faruq Z. Bey (bornJesse Davis; February 4, 1942 – June 1, 2012)[1] was an Americanjazzsaxophonist andcomposer fromDetroit,Michigan. Bey was known for his work withGriot Galaxy, which played distinct compositions, often by Bey. Odd meters andpolyrhythms were a frequent feature of the group's tunes, which would give way tofree sections. Originally started in 1972, Griot Galaxy settled into its most stable line-up around 1980, when Bey was joined by saxophonists David McMurray and Anthony Holland, as well as bassistJaribu Shahid and drummerTani Tabbal. Griot Galaxy played at the 1983 Detroit Montreux Jazz Festival (now theDetroit Jazz Festival), and touredEurope in the mid-1980s.
In the mid-1980s Bey was in a serious motorcycle accident that left him in acoma.[2] Almost a decade passed before he returned to performing. He re-emerged with an all woodwind ensemble called The Conspiracy Winds Ensemble. He began to play in Speaking in Tongues and Hakim Jami's Street Band. He joined forces with The Northwoods Improvisers, who devoted several releases to Bey's music. His frequent collaborators, saxophonists Michael Carey and Skeeter Shelton, joined him on most of the Northwoods Improviser's recordings. He also played in Kindred, a quartet withKennith Green,Kevin Callaway andJoel Peterson, and in Odu Afrobeat Orchestra. Among Bey's last ensembles was The Absolute Tonalist Society with Carey, Peterson and drummerKurt Prisbe.
Some of his most noted releases areKins,Opus Krampus andLive at the DIA with Griot Galaxy, andAuzar andAshirai Pattern with The Northwoods Improvisers. Bey published two books of poetry,Year of the Iron Sheep andEtudes in Wanton Nesses, in addition to a theoretical/aesthetic manifestoToward a "Ratio"nal Aesthetic (1989). Bey died on June 1, 2012.[3] He had experienced long-term health issues includingemphysema.[3]
As A Leader
WithGriot Galaxy
With Synchron
With Faruq Z. Bey 4et
WithPhil Ranelin
WithThe New Chamber Jazz Quintet
With M.L. Liebler
With K.A.S. Serenity
With Dr. Prof. Leonard King
With Keith Vreeland
With The Sun Messengers
With Hakim Jami & The Street Band
With Media Jackals
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