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What’s up jazz enthusiasts? It seems that 2010 has been a extremely good year for drummers/percussionist to pursue their passion and release new projects. Have you had the honor to meet the music of jazz drummer Chris Massey? If not, I’d love for you to come acquainted with his latest album “Vibrainium.” On this endeavor, the veteran composer graciously takes you on a dynamic yet accessible musical excursion infected with fearless rhythms and mind swelling content that will inevitably leave you in a dysfunctional state. Of course, all intended in a good way … —Rob Young | The Urban Flux
Chris Massey - Vibrainium
Chris Massey -][- Vibrainium – [SPECTRA RECORDS, 2010]
Chris Massey plays drums. No statement could be more inadequate, though true, than that. Young Massey is a master craftsman, a highly respected performer, teacher, and composer, and now he adds to that spectrum the founder of an ensemble known as Chris Massey’s Nue Jazz Project – and it is astounding. There is something about the manner in which Massey approaches his instrument that makes it seem like the ground base for big band sound. He apparently has stated that he is a modern drummer taught in the old tradition of swing, believing that he should put his sound underneath a fellow player and let the fire start to spread. This could almost be labeled an ‘artist statement’ in the way that painter’s speak about their approach to the canvas. The result of Massey’s gifts is evident in this fertile recording, called VIBRAINIUM – and for those who might not understand the derivation of the title, is is defined in the dictionary as follows: ‘Vibranium is a fictional metal that appears in the Marvel Universe. It is most commonly known as one of the materials used to construct Captain America’s shield.’ And away we go into this ‘nue jazz’ concept. —Grady Harp | Amazon/Review
Check out this exciting new voice in jazz at http://www.chrismasseyjazz.com/live/. While you’re at it, check into “Atmosphere(s) (this is not the same Chris Massey) corrected 3/5/2011,” which features Massey in a deeper thought process musically.
..:: Source: Amazon.com ::..
theurbanflux.wordpress.com 
Vibrainium is a pretty good album. Promising, for sure. I also love how many big band/large ensemble leaders are adopting comics themes for their compositions (ie, Darcy James Argue, Dave Chisholm, Zubatto Syndicate, Kelly Fenton, etc); I take this as a good sign.
However, the Atmosphere(s) album you link to is a different Chris Massey. That album was originally released back in 1981 by a different Chris Massey. But don’t worry, I’m sure that Chris received all of the accolades he required during his career, so he wouldn’t mind his work being attributed to another artist. Lazy.
Hi Jonah, thanks dropping by and keeping me on track about the music of drummer Chris Massey. His music was suggested, therefore Massey’s name and music is new to my vocabulary. Man, I appreciate you for dropping by and speaking out about this music. As time allows, check out the upcoming project by Adam Cruz (https://theurbanflux.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/drummer-adam-cruz-releases-debut-album-milestone-set-for-release-on-sunnyside-records-april-12/).
Peace and blessings, Rob
Hey, Rob.
Man, I must’ve been in a bad mood that day, lol. I can be snarky from time to time, but yeesh. Looking around the internet, it appears several people have confused the two Chris Masseys.
That Adam Cruz album is excellent. I’ve been into in for a little while now. Worth mentioning that Sunnyside has smartly added a bandcamp page, which allows people to listen to albums in full before purchasing, which is something I always appreciate. But Milestones is a pretty impressive album.
Cheers.
Hi Jonah, apparently the bug of having crazy days is spreading fairly raid it seems. If I recall correctly, someone called me out about Chris Massey [the drummer] before, I believe that I posted links to a keyboardist with the same name on the same post. Of course, I really didn’t mean to do this but what can I say I messed up with no disrespect intended to Chris (the drummer).
As you can see, I’m currently not updating but I do appreciate your input. Keep the music alive … peace be with you, Rob