Guru - Jazzmatazz Volume 1 (1993) [ALAC]

Guru - Jazzmatazz Volume 1 (1993) [ALAC]



Guru's Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 is a jazz rap album by alternative hip hop artist Guru, released on May 18, 1993 (see 1993 in music) on Chrysalis Records. This album is one of the first albums to combine a live jazz band with hip hop production and rapping. It is the first such project to feature established rappers. Live backing is provided by a band that includes Lonnie Liston Smith, Branford Marsalis, Ronny Jordan, Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers. The album also features vocal collaborations with Carleen Anderson, N'Dea Davenport (of the Brand New Heavies) and French rapper MC Solaar. The variety of guest artists adds diversity and originality to each track, and gives the album a distinct jazz feel.

"Introduction" – 1:20
"Loungin'" (with Donald Byrd on trumpet and piano) – 4:38
"When You're Near" (with N'Dea Davenport on vocals and Simon Law on keyboards) – 4:02
"Transit Ride" (with Branford Marsalis on alto and soprano saxophone and Zachary Breaux on guitar) – 3:58
"No Time to Play" (with Ronny Jordan on guitar and D. C. Lee & Big Shug on vocals) – 4:54
"Down the Backstreets" (with Lonnie Liston Smith on acoustic and electric piano) – 4:47
"Respectful Dedications" - :54
"Take a Look (At Yourself)" (with Roy Ayers on vibraphone) – 3:59
"Trust Me" (with N'Dea Davenport on vocals) – 4:27
"Slicker Than Most" (with Gary Barnacle on saxophone and flute) – 2:35
"Le Bien, Le Mal" (with MC Solaar) – 3:21
"Sights in the City" (with Courtney Pine on alto and soprano sax and flute, Carleen Anderson on vocals and Simon Law on keyboards) – 5:10