URBAN RELEASE: Guru's Jazzmatazz Volume 4: Back To The Future

It’s been seven long years since the last instalment, but the wait is finally over! Volume 4 in the groundbreaking Jazzmatazz series titled The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back To The Future is about to drop. Having captured the hearts of music lovers the world over since 1993, with its fusion of street-smart hip hop and live Jazz, the series so far has also featured the The Neptunes, Macy Gray, Kelis, Herbie Hancock, Isaak Hayes, Kenny Garrett, Chaka Khan and Jamiroquai. With a career that spans two decades and is now eleven albums deep, Guru is back and music as we know it, is about to take one giant leap forward.

Legendary urban artist and GangStarr founder, MC Guru continues his partnership with producer Solar to deliver what Guru considers to be “The best Jazzmatazz yet”. Volume 4 stays true to the original Jazzmatazz ethos of presenting a quality cast of musical collaborations who perfectly compliment Guru’s musical vision. Widely known and respected for choosing musical talent over profile of his collaborating partners, Guru has once again set the standard high, by showcasing a number of rising stars alongside some musical legends. The result is an album containing 16 tracks that sparkle with smooth sonic flow, and will redefine the hip hop jazz genre.

For Living Legend Guru teams up with revered saxophonist David Sanborn for a twinkling jazzy gem, whilst ‘State of Clarity’ sees highly respected conscious rapper Common drop verses alongside pianist Bob James. Stand Up (Some Things’ll Never Change) is a funk-ridden reggae number with Damian Marley (son of Bob Marley, and 2006 Grammy winner for Welcome to Jamrock lending his talents; while on Infinite, Blackalicious join Guru for a slick head-nodder. With a singing voice as smooth as silk, Bobby Valentino from Def Jam Records (home to Nas, Rihanna, Ne-Yo etc) delivers the hook-driven International that is clearly a stand out song on the album. Also featured on Jazzmatazz Vol.4 is Slum Village, up and coming crooner Raheem DeVaughn and new Sony America signing, Aussie songstress Shelley Harland.

Produced entirely by Solar and released through the pair’s 7 Grand Records imprint, the album builds on the impressive foundation of the Jazzmatazz series that has gone on to sell a staggering 1.4 million copies to date. A concept that was first launched with the release of volume 1 in 1993, with the aim of merging razor-sharp hip hop with live jazz, the series has also served to unite different generations, while reflecting the contemporary times and pushing the scene forward. Guru’s Jazzmatazz series has helped new sounds such as neo soul and acid jazz develop and move into the mainstream.

Incorporating elements of soul, funk, rock and reggae, with expertly crafted elements of jazz, hip hop and R&B, Jazzmatazz Vol.4 is a next level release that is destined to raise the bar in Guru’s already stellar career, and soothe that ears of long-time Jazzmatazz fans far and wide.

Tracklisting

1) Cuz I’m Jazzy feat: Slum Village

2) State Of Clarity feat: Common and Bob James

3) Stand Up (Some Things’ll Never Change) feat: Damian Marley

4) Look To The Sun (Solar)

5) Connection feat: Kem

6) Fine and Free feat: Vivian Green

7) Wait On Me feat: Raheem DeVaughn

8) International feat: Bobby Valentino

9) This Is Art feat: Ronny Laws

10) Fly Magnetic feat: Dionne Farris

11) The Jazz Style feat: Omar

12) Follow The Signs feat: Shelley Harland

13) Universal Struggle feat: Brownman

14) Infinite feat: Blackalicious

15) Kissed The World feat: Caron Wheeler

16) Living Legend feat: David Sanborn