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 Public Access - reviews sent to the Raft by You. |
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GURU'S JAZZMATAZZ
LIVE AT THE FORUM
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Guru's Jazzmatazz hit London last week on 29th November2000 to do a special one off show at London's Forum in Kentish Town with special guests Angie Stone, Herbie Hancock and new kid on the block Bilal Oliver who has worked with the likes of Common, Erykah Badu and Raphael Saadiq. Expectations were high and most of us didn't know whether Guru would perform on a Gangstarr tip or pure Jazzmatazz style. In the end, it was Jazzmatazz style with the help of a very talented five piece backing band and above all Guru displayed the versatility he's known for. The show started with a more than adequate support act by the name of Me-One who showed the crowds what a party was all about by blending hip hop beats with silky reggae tinged vocals. This was a definite winter warmer before the main act took centre stage. Afterwards a lady DJ by the name of Kaori took hold of the wheels of steel with a funky set that was somewhat predictable but even so the crowds were pumping hard to all the latest tunes. Guru then stormed onto stage looking rather snazzy in white mohair Trilby illustrating Big Papa was most definitely in the house. He began with a couple of Gangstarr classics including 'Dywck' and 'Take It Personal' which was a must for all the hip-hop aficionados, who made a trip down memory lane enjoying every last step. This was met with roars of applause making Guru's entrance big and bad as ever! Shortly after he proceeded with a couple of tracks from the past two Jazzmatazz albums which included 'Trust Me', originally performed with N'Dea Davenport of Brand New Heavies fame. This track was for the real Jazzmatazz fans that had all three albums in the CD collection. 'Loungin' was the second track taken from Guru previous works and oh how the crowd went mad, Guru had certainly set himself up for greater things to come and they did. Living legend Herbie Hancock waltzed on stage and took his place at the keyboard getting ready to liven up the proceedings with a few bars. Both Herbie and Guru then got into the vibe and performed Herbie's debut on the Jazzmatazz series, the modern classic 'Timeless'. This track had a consummate retro feel to it that gave jazz lovers something to lap up. I've got to hand it to Guru he delicately binds the new and old so naturally. Next up was the ever so cool nu-soul brother Bilal who entered looking like an extra from Bonanza with his cowboy boots and hugely buckled belt. Ye-ha, Bilal ignited the whole stadium with his powerhouse vocals, so powerful my ears were ringing once I had left the stadium. 'Certified' was the track that united Guru and Bilal, with its b-boyisms and funk-driven melodies. For a man of 21 years of age, Bilal really got down to it and his vocals were far maturer than his years. A young Sly Stone in the making. Guru sounded smooth and fluid in his delivery, which only enhanced the tune even more. Bilal then sang his debut single 'Soul Sista', which incidentally was produced by Lucy Pearl's brainchild Raphael Saadiq, a song that never seemed to end but I'm sure that the audiences didn't mind from the reaction it received. Angie Stone was next to the R&B throne with her sweet chocolate like vocals making her come across as a seasoned threaten not an artist who had only released a single album. Guru and Angie seemed close when they broke into the first single to be taken from Jazzmatazz: StreetSoul called 'Keep Your Worries'. Everyone seemed to know this track judging by the screams emanating from the crowds. At this point I didn't think it could get any better but it did as Angie, Bilal and Herbie all came together on stage to perform the Stylistics 1971 classic 'People Make The World Go Round' with the help of the respected British saxophonist Courtney Pine to jazz things up. A perfect finish to the hotter than fire performance that was on display that evening. The show was definitely worth every penny and managed to bring back the realness to live music and instrumentation. Something that seems to be lacking a little in the 21st century...Here's to the next Jazzmatazz, keep going Guru! -- by Amina © 2000 |
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