Faruq Z. Bey (born Jesse Davis; February 4, 1942 – June 1, 2012)[1] was an American jazz saxophonist and composer from Detroit, Michigan.
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 bassist Jaribu Shahid and drummer Tani Tabbal.
Some of his most noted releases are Kins, Opus Krampus and Live at the DIA with Griot Galaxy, and Auzar and Ashirai Pattern with The Northwoods Improvisers.
Bey published two books of poetry, Year of the Iron Sheep and Etudes in Wanton Nesses, in addition to a theoretical/aesthetic manifesto Toward a "Ratio"nal Aesthetic (1989).
[3] As A Leader With Griot Galaxy With Northwoods Improvisers With His Name Is Alive With Synchron With Faruq Z. Bey 4et With Phil Ranelin With The New Chamber Jazz Quintet With M.L.