Griot Galaxy - Live on WUOM 1979 (Vinyl LP)

Two Rooms Records marks its tenth release with Live on WUOM 1979 by Griot Galaxy, an archival document that restores a near-lost chapter of Detroit’s avant-garde. Captured during an extended broadcast, this double-length recording finds the group in a tight quartet formation, stretching their signature blend of polyrhythm, polytonality and non-Western scales into vivid new shapes.

Founded in 1972 by saxophonist Faruq Z. Bey, Griot Galaxy forged a singular language that drew from jazz’s experimental edge while absorbing grooves and minimalist patterns from popular music. By the late ’70s, the core line-up centred around bassist Jaribu Shahid and percussionist Tani Tabbal—both with deep roots in the Sun Ra Arkestra—alongside wind players Anthony Holland and David McMurray. Across their history, members collaborated widely within creative Black music, working with Roscoe Mitchell, Anthony Braxton, Leroy Jenkins, Muhal Richard Abrams, Oliver Lake, Andrew Cyrille and many others.

Though revered locally and respected by peers, Griot Galaxy issued only two albums before Bey’s 1986 motorcycle accident brought activity to a halt. Live on WUOM 1979 expands their recorded legacy with a powerful snapshot of the group in full flight.

After Death

Dragons

Osiris

Androgeny

Zychron the Incessant

Necrophilia