Jazzmatazz
Keith Elam, better known as GURU, was encouraged to listen to jazz by his father and grandfather who introduced him and his friends to the likes of Sonny Rollins, Mingus, Monk, etc. He grew up in the seventies, listening to pop and jazz music, particularly Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd and Herbie Hancock.
GURU (which stands for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universe) was first known as the vocal half of the duo GangStarr, along with DJ Premier. GURU and DJ Premier were the first to mix hip hop and jazz. At the end of the eighties and the beginning of the nineties they were recognized as the fathers of this musical style, with the albums No More Mr. Nice Guy, Step In The Arena and Daily Operation. It was during this period that acid jazz began to develop in England with names such as The Brand New Heavies and Ronny Jordan. There was such an undoubted jazz trend in the music GURU was making with DJ Premier but in 1993 he went one step further. The release of Jazzmatazz, vol. 1 was much more than a logical progression. For the first time Jazz and hip hop, south and R&B were mixed with ease. Both records were produced with Gang Starr and developed into a pioneering project, and his most successful to date.
The '93 and '95 Jazzmatazz albums were in part successful thanks to many guest contributions and collaborations from great musicians. GURU's diverse projects have brought him together with important names such as Brandford Marsalis, Isaac Hayes, Roy Ayers, Herbie Hancock, as well as The Roots, Macy Gray, Erykah Badu and many others.
A third project came to life in the year 2000 with GURU focussing on pure hip hop with Gang Starr and producer Solar. Early June will see the release of the fourth part of the legendary Jazzmatazz series. The Jazzmatazz Volume 4 The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger. Back To The Future. The album will appear on GURU's own 7 Grand label, set up with producer Solar. It goes without saying that these two talents were responsible for the production of the record.
With Jazzmatazz volume 4, GURU and Solar produced a revolutionary sounding album once again reaching well beyond the limits of jazz, hip hop and soul. Listen for example to the track Stand Up (Some Things'll Never Change) with a guest contribution from Damian Marley. Other guest musicians include Common and Blackalicious.
For more about Jazzmatazz check out his website and myspace.
Also Performing
Josh Garrels
With echoes of Ben Harper, Digable Planets and Sufjan Stevens, Josh Garrels captures a thick yet efficiently-constructed, understated style that fluidly encompasses not only lo-fi bred, beautifully-dreary folk but threads of hip hop and electronic phraseology.
Read his full bio.
Silver Dollars
Formed in 2006, The Silver Dollars have managed to come up with a unique Rock and Roll/Hip Hop fusion that eludes classification. The Group's sound is the synthesis of five very different playing styles and influences, from Rap to Rock n' Roll/ Pop to Jazz to Funk.
Read their full bio.
Momentary Prophets
Momentary Prophets is an acoustic duo based out of Newport News. Their
distinct sound is rooted in a variety of popular music genres and folk
traditions. Both members, Jake Hull and Ted Packard are currently
finishing up school at Christopher Newport University. They have carved
an unique niche for themselves at their campus as well as at James
Madison University, the College of William and Mary, and local coffee
shops.
Read their full bio.