Bobb Fantauzzo has developed a unique sound playing Native American and world flutes. It is an eclectic mix of the traditional and the untraditional, the conventional and the unconventional, the past and the present. [bio]

His music has been described as evocative, innovative, primal sophistication, engaging, hip. It is contemporary jazz voiced through the ancient zen-like tonalities of Native American and Chinese flutes. It is, what he calls, JazZen.

Accompanying Fantauzzo on flutes, the current incarnation of JazZen includes Aaron Kerr on electric cello, Dan Lange on drums and Mike Bruns on guitar.

A Weaving of Traditions is Fantauzzo's latest project and is supported by KBEM - Jazz88 FM and funded by The Minnesota Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Blending the spirit of the Native American flute with the essence of jazz, A Weaving of Traditions honors some of the jazz legends having Native American ancestry, including
 - Dave Brubeck (Modoc)
 - Don Cherry (Choctaw)
 - Duke Ellington (Cherokee)
 - John Lewis (Cherokee, Comanche)
 - Charles Lloyd (Cherokee)
 - Jim Pepper (Creek, Kaw)
 - Oscar Pettiford (Choctaw, Cherokee)

Performed by
  Bobb Fantauzzo - Native American flutes
  Lyz Jaakola - vocals, percussion
  Aaron Kerr - electric cello
  Dan Lange - drums
  Mike Bruns - guitar

[Audience responses]

"a unique sound that is both holy and hip, primal and sophisticated... the integration of an almost prayerful melodicism suggestive of Charles Lloyd with a more forward-thrusting, free-wheeling improvisational approach that echoes Coltrane, Davis, Shorter, and Coleman."  - Jazz Police

"JazZen has a versatile sound that incorporates everything from modern groove to world jazz."  - MOJA (Modern Jazz) Radio

"JazZen’s new CD, Bounce Off the Moon, shows their versatility as musicians and their respect for jazz greats including Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, and John Coltrane." - bebopified