Faruq Z. Bey with Northwoods Improvisers | Ashirai Pattern | Entropy Stereo Recordings

A diverse follow up to their 19 Moons release of 2002. The groups has added longtime Bey collaborator Mike Carey (flute/tenor saxophone) to the ensemble. Ashirai Pattern embodies a higher spiritual plane and elements of mysticism in an aural feast. Instrumentation includes vibes, marimba, voice, bass, drums, tenor saxophone, flute, bass clarinet, violin, and percussion. Continue reading

Faruq Z. Bey with Northwoods Improvisers | 19 Moons | Entropy Stereo Recordings

Farouq Z. Bey has been on the Detroit scene for many years. His work with Griot Galaxy speaks for itself. Faruq brings us some of his richest reed work to date with the Northwoods Improvisers. Together they explore rhythms, improvisation, and sound in it’s purest sense. A classic case of the whole being greater the sum of it’s parts. Instrumentation includes bass, vibes, drums, saxophone. Continue reading

Faruq Z. Bey with the Northwoods Improvisers featuring Mike Carey and Skeeter Shelton | AUZAR | Entropy Stereo Recordings

Faruq Z. Bey returns with his third effort on Entropy Stereo, Auzar. Auzar features the three horn lineup of Bey, Michael Carey and Skeeter Shelton, representing the first time Bey has recorded with the three horn line up since his days with his seminal Detroit group Griot Galaxy. Representing a clear evolution from Bey’s last two efforts 19 Moons and Ashirai Pattern, Auzar features a unified ensemble sound with an emphasis on unique rhythmic and harmonic possibilities. Bey contributes three compositions to the disc. Faruq Z. Bey and the Northwoods Improvisers comprise a natural joining of mind and soul on Auzar in their strongest effort yet. Featuring the composition Zycron by Tani Tabbal. Continue reading

Faruq Z. Bey with Northwoods Improvisers | Journey into the Valley | Entropy Stereo Recordings

Faruq Z. Bey – tenor, alto saxophone, poetry | Mike Carey – tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flute | Skeeter Shelton – tenor, soprano saxophone | Mike Gilmore – vibes, marimba | Mike Johnston – bass, gongs | Nick Ashton – drums. Executive producer: Mike Khoury. Recording, mixing & mastering: Tim O’Brien. Photography: Jay Shurtliff. Design: Mark Rudolph. All music is acoustic.A film by: Timothy O’Brien and Andrew Bare. Original DVD contains: 1 hour feature live music performance3 bonus songs 3 interviews 3 poetry pieces slide show (plus more) bonus CD of 5 tracks taken from the dvd (same sound mixes). Continue reading

Farouq Z. Bey with Northwoods Improvisers | Emerging Field | Entropy Stereo Recordings

Emerging Field marks the sixth release of Faruq Z. Bey with the Northwoods Improvisers on the Entropy Stereo label. This release finds the group exploring rhythm and space in a broader sense than previous offerings. Faruq Z. Bey, Mike Carey, and Skeeter Shelton create thoughtful space and intricate conversations in their horn lines evoking a relaxed and passionate response with a solid blues focus. Mike Johnston and Nick Ashton root the group with their sound rhythmic foundation. The track Mokondi brings out the strength of this rhythm section. Mike Gilmore floats in and out of the music with vibes and marimba reminding one of some of the fantastic work of the late Walt Dickerson. Among the highlights are Carey’s arrangement of Ornette Coleman’s Beauty is a Rare Thing, and Mike Johnston’s Tenere’. Continue reading