Guru's Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 is the debut solo studio album from Guru, one half of the hip-hop duo Gang Starr. Released on 18th May, 1993 on Chrysalis Records, this album is one of the first albums to combine a live jazz band with hip hop production and rapping. 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) Dee 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. In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of this classic album UMe/Urban Legends will be releasing a 3LP deluxe edition which includes the original album, the instrumentals and a third bonus LP of rare remixes. The package also comes with a 12 page booklet that features rare images from the original Jazzmatazz photo shoot.
