Guru Jazzs up the stage

The eclectic sounds of the Guru to the Deep South beats of Soulja Boy, there is something in hip-hop for everyone. Although I must say, Guru’s diverse take on hip-hop proves that this genre of music has many spectrums. He is one of the pioneers of the hip-hop/jazz crossover, and he allows us to remember that the evolving styles of hip- hop never fail to dazzle.

Guru is the lyrical half of legendary hip-hop group, Gang Star, together with DJ Premier. He is also well known for his Jazzmatazz album series.

Hip - hop jazz master, Guru, his ‘7 Grand’ instrumentalists, the legendary DJ Doowop and producer and side kick, Solar have been on the ‘Time Out’ world tour since January 2008. Guru believes that they give ‘one of the biggest hip hop shows on the planet which offers the most original jazz music around.’(even if he does say so his self).

Obviously, Guru couldn’t perform through Europe without stopping off in London. He brought his Jazzy steez to London’s Jazz café this week, where I managed to slip in a little political convo with Guru and Solar before they ripped the stage. At a time of electoral bliss for most Americans, I had to ask whether they were happy with the new President Elect, Barack Obama, to which Guru was clearly ecstatic: “Yeah of course I’m happy - it’s all about Obama...he is the man…”

“Just make sure you enjoy the show – it’s going to be good”

I have to say, the show was well worth the wait. As expected, everyone from his instrumentalists to producer Solar had the crowd beating the air and swaying side to side. Guru’s rhyming ability was especially smooth, and oozed charisma with tracks such as ‘Connections’, ‘State of Clarity’ and ‘Living legend’- he even threw in some free styling for good measure. Solar made his presence clear, making sure the crowd was feeling every second of the show.

The trumpet player (part of Guru’s label, ‘7 Grand’) was absolutely killing it. His fingers were running up and down that trumpet, not missing a note. I’m pretty sure he was out of breath after the show. DJ Doowop was spinning them decks effortlessly - this was a live show not to be missed.

Written By Krystle Osafo Jones