Jazz Articles about Faruq Z. Bey

like 1

Learning to Listen (for Faruq)

by Marc Beaudin
June 6, 2026

“Listen to the reed and how it tells a tale, complaining of separation" --from Mathnawi by Rumi translated by Faruq Z. Bey (1942--2012) With dusk descending on Marcus Garvey Park suffused w/ the tones and stones of Harlem surrounded suddenly from within by your music Having heard the news just before boarding a plane Having heard the news that your sax was in its case the case closed and ...

like 752

Faruq Z. Bey

by Wilbur MacKenzie
May 23, 2010

Throughout the history of jazz, Detroit has produced world-class jazz artists, iconic individualists and ubiquitous sidemen alike. Many have moved to New York or other cities to pursue their career. A handful of great artists remained in Detroit, keeping the creative energy alive there (and consequently Detroit continues to produce incredible talent). One artist who has remained in Detroit over the decades, overcoming social and personal disaster to continue his creative pursuits, is saxophonist and composer Faruq Z. Bey.

like 334

Faruq Z. Bey with the Northwood Improvisers: Journey into the Valley

by Clifford Allen
February 25, 2009

Though in the jazz world, Detroit and southern Michigan often get the most credit for producing Hahd bop talents like Kenny Burrell, Tommy Flanagan and the brothers Jones, there has long been a slow-burning fire of free improvisation and creative music tapping into the Motor City's pulse. Reedmen Faruq Z. Bey and Skeeter Shelton, both onetime co-leaders of the Griot Galaxy, are longtime members of the region's new music community. A somewhat younger set (but not by much) are the ...

like 251

Faruq Z. Bey and the Northwoods Improvisers: Auzar

by Rex Butters
April 25, 2005

Detroit saxophonist Faruq Z. Bey's third Entropy release finds him returning to a three-horn lineup for the first time since his days with Griot Galaxy. Working a stylistic vein that would have fit '60's Impulse! with their bass-driven, Afro-centric, imaginative ardent songs to the sacred, Bey and the Northwoods Improvisers work from compositions, cues, and inspiration. The group sound, captured live, shows an enthusiastic unit capable of infectious grooves and driving without hands.

Mike Johnston introduces “Gemini with a lurking ...

like 127

Faruq Z. Bey with the Northwoods Improvisers: Auzar

by Paul Olson
February 20, 2005

Detroit saxophonist Faruq Z. Bey's third release with the Northwoods Improvisers, Auzar , may be their best collaboration yet; certainly, it benefits from the addition of fellow Detroiters Mike Carey (on bass clarinet and tenor sax) and Skeeter Shelton (on tenor). These three are ably supported by the core Improvisers lineup of Mike Gilmore on vibes and marimba, Mike Johnston on bass, and Nick Ashton on drums. Auzar was recorded live at Central Michigan University in March of 2004 at ...