Jazzmatazz

Guru (1993) Jazzmatazz Volume 1

The mighty Guru from Gangstarr (one of the most underated mc's in my opinion) dropped an album that revolutionized jazz rap, and is usually considered the first full-fledged fusion of jazz and hip hop. Instead of just using jazz samples, Guru got a Jazz band that includes Lonnie Liston Smith, Branford Marsalis, Ronny Jordan, Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers. The album also features collaborations with N'Dea Davenport (of the Brand New Heavies) and French rapper MC Solaar.

A masterpiece.


"Introduction"
"Loungin'" (with Donald Byrd on trumpet and piano)
"When You're Near" (with N'Dea Davenport on vocals and Simon Law on keyboards)

"Transit Ride" (with Branford Marsalis on alto and soprano saxophone and Zachary Breaux on guitar)
"No Time to Play" (with Ronny Jordan on guitar and D. C. Lee on vocals)

"Down to the Backstreets" (with Lonnie Liston Smith on acoustic and electric piano)

"Respectful Dedications"
"Take a Look (At Yourself)" (with Roy Ayers on vibraphone) -
"Trust Me" (with N'Dea Davenport on vocals)
"Slicker Than Most" (with Gary Barnacle on saxophone and flute)
"Le Bien, Le Mal" (with MC Solaar)
"Sights in the City" (with Courtney Pine on alto and soprano sax and flute, Carleen Anderson on vocals and Simon Law on keyboards)

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