Kali Z. Fasteau

A strong improviser whose colorful and spiritual music crosses many boundaries (between world music, free jazz, and folk songs from many countries), Zusaan Kali Fasteau plays soprano, shakuhachi flute, cello, piano, percussion, and quite a few "exotic" instruments such as the ney, kaval, sheng, mizmar, moursin, and the sanza. She spent her early childhood in Paris and New York and studied piano, cello, voice, and flute. After earning a B.A. in anthropology and an M.A. in World Music, she became involved in the free jazz scene of New York and San Francisco in the late '60s. In 1972, Fasteau began a 13-year musical exploration of the world (visiting 16 countries), playing music all over the globe. Among her experiences was performing with Sun Ra in Amsterdam, touring Italy with Archie Shepp, and spending two years apiece in Turkey and India. At the end of 1984, Fasteau settled in New York and began integrating what she had learned into her music. Among the other musicians whom she has played with are Donald Rafael Garrett (her husband for a few years), Rashied Ali, Dewey Redman, Oliver Lake, Jeanne Lee, William Parker, and Johnny Dyani. Fasteau co-led recording sessions with Garrett on ESP and Red, and has in more recent times recorded several CDs for her own Flying Note label. ~ Scott Yanow