Faruq Z Bey

Composer, poet, tenor, alto, and soprano saxophonist

Photograph by Leni Sinclair

New Release

Faruq Z. Bey - Atlan-tan Suite

Recorded live at the D.I.A. in 1982, features Faruq Z. Bey on saxophone, Jaribu Shahid on bass, Tony Holland on saxophone, Marlene Rice and Gwen Laster on violins, and Robert Allison on vibes. ESR 023, available for purchase on Entropy Stereo Recordings here.

Griot Galaxy

Born in Detroit, Faruq Z. Bey was the leader and central figure in one of Detroit's defining creative bands in the '70's and '80's Griot Galaxy. Griot's image and musical approach borrowed from Sun Ra and the Art Ensemble of Chicago but, they were an original force in their own right. Their music was personal, layered and complex, often played in odd time signatures. Even though the group was a collective, Faruq's imprint on the band was large. As the group was gaining recognition far beyond Michigan, Faruq suffered a severe motorcycle accident that left him comatose for sometime and partially paralyzed afterwards. The group split apart as a result.

Here, you can see Griot Galaxy performing the piece Androgeny.

Photograph by Leni Sinclair

Photograph by Don Barber

Photograph by Robert Barclay

As Faruq gradually reemerged from the accident he began leading and playing in different groups. Faruq and Northwoods connected and performed their first concert together in 2000. Continuing to perform together until his passing in 2012. They released nine albums together.

More than a musician, Faruq was a Poet, Philosopher, Composer and inspirational figure with deep roots in Islam. Faruq was a strong communicator whether through the word or through his soulful saxophone. His sound and tone reflected his great intellect and the complexity and depth of his heart.

Faruq Z. Bey published two books of his poetry Etudes in wanton nesses and Year of the Iron Sheep, as well as a book on music theory titled Toward a "ratio"nal aesthetic.