The Sounds of Jazzmatazz (20 Jan) 

Almost a quarter of a century after the release of Jazzmatazz Vol. 1, North London duo Blue Lab Beats revisit Guru’s seminal debut album.

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 four volumes of Jazzmatazz constitute the first project to combine a live jazz band with hip-hop production and established rappers. The hybrid nature of the work demonstrates Guru’s passion and affinity for both hip-hop and traditional jazz.

Blue Lab Beats’ reimagining of Guru’s work will seek to blur even further the lines between these two genres.

The duo will pay homage to Guru and the musicians who helped to create Jazzmatazz, which counted Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers among them, while adding their own unique touch to Loungin, Night Vision and other hits.

Jazz Cafe £15-£20 www.thejazzcafelondon.com