Guru's Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1


Guru's Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 is the debut solo studio album by American hip hop recording artist Guru, released on May 18, 1993 on Chrysalis Records. It was one of the first albums to combine a live jazz band with hip hop production and rapping, as well as 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, D. C. Lee 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.
Guru, quoted in the album's liner notes, talked about his natural affinity for both jazz and rap. "Jazz's mellow tracks, along with the hard rap beat, go hand-in-glove with my voice," he said.
Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 peaked at #24 and #91 on Billboards Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Billboard 200 albums charts. The single "Trust Me" peaked at #50 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. In spite of the lagging American sales, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 was a commercial success in Europe, where jazz was much more popular in the 1990s.

Track listing

  1. "Introduction" – 1:20
  2. "Loungin'" – 4:38
  3. "When You're Near" – 4:02
  4. "Transit Ride" – 3:58
  5. "No Time to Play" – 4:54
  6. "Down the Backstreets" – 4:47
  7. "Respectful Dedications" – 0:54
  8. "Take a Look " – 3:59
  9. "Trust Me" – 4:27
  10. "Slicker Than Most" – 2:35
  11. "Le Bien, Le Mal" – 3:21
  12. "Sights in the City" – 5:10

    Personnel

Credits adapted from liner notes.
Musicians
Production
Design