Few people make their own instruments these days, which puts Bo Fain at the top of the list for unique musicians. Bo makes, plays, and sells a variety of bamboo flutes. I met up with Bo one evening when he was teaching a meditation class to ask him about his eclectic musical abilities, as well as his flute making and the business he started with his wife, Ruthie. This is what he had to say.
I’ve been playing music since I was about 12. I played drums in rock and roll bands, then I started playing guitar when I was 18. In 1984, I played around Deep Ellum with some fabulous groups. Then I completely flipped out on psychedelic experiences and started my life over. I spent some time traveling through the mountains before moving back and starting another band. I played with some bands in Phoenix. In other words, I’ve had a whole lot of experience in rock and roll.
I found the flutes in 1995, so it’s been over 20 year that I’ve been making these bamboo flutes. I tune these bamboo flutes to old scales. The baroque scales, or just intonation scales, which are a little bit different than piano. So, when I play my flutes with other people, I have to play with sitar, lute, or any fretless instrument in the viol family.
Bo plays world beat music and diverse fusion forms of music. He is looking for like-minded musicians to perform with, and stated, “I have a hard time finding people to play with because everyone just wants to play rock and roll” and then he put forth a challenge for all local musicians to “come together and be a little more serious, humble, clear minded.” Bo is a believer that fine art is always “One of a kind” and applies that belief to not only his flute making, but also his custom handmade jewelry.
Bo can be found The Farmer’s Market downtown or many of the local art events around the city playing music and selling his flutes, jewelry, teas, and herbs.
