FeaturesStill-live: Rock Photographer Robert Massie’s 25 Favorite Shots Of 2003By Robert MassieDecember 15, 2003 |
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If a picture speaks a thousand words, then Robert Massie's work
could recite War and Peace. His ability to capture a poignant
moment comes not from simply an artistic vision - as concert photography
is far from an exact science - but rather his perseverance and
dedication each night to get just that one shot.
So to properly look back on such an eventful year in music, we
asked Robert to take us behind the lens, and share his personal
favorite shots of 2003.
Click on an image to enlarge.
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25. John Bell, Widespread Panic
One of my favorite performers, caught up in an "unexpected
moment of bliss." I think that JB had fun playing acoustic
sets this summer, and this was a moment that really typified
his mood during the sit-down sessions.
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24. Warren Haynes, Rebirth of the Mule
Haynes is the hardest working man in show business, and
Gov't Mule has finally been reborn. I love the mystery
this photo seems to convey, a great example of how to
make low light levels still work.
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23. DJ Logic
I simply love this shot. 'Nuff said.
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22. Sam Bush
Sam Bush weaves reggae, rock, and soul into his bluegrass
pursuits and it's truly a pleasure to photograph this mandolin
master taking the crowd to school.
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21. Stanton Moore, Galactic
It's hard for short photographers to see, let alone shoot
drummers. Stanton is one bad ass on the skins, and I was
really happy with this action shot of him looking thrilled
to be rocking Galactic's audience during their Winter
Tour.
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20. Eric Lanese, Ekoostik Hookah
Proof positive that the golden rule at Hookah shows is
to always expect the unexpected. For their encore this
spring, Lanese came out to sing lead on "Life During Wartime"
dressed in this hilarious getup, complete with his huge
"talking head."
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19. DJ Z-Trip
No one mixes records like Z-Trip does. It's always a
bit difficult to get good shots of DJ's at festivals,
but my lens was long enough to catch Z during a booty-shaking
wax throw down in the June heat.
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18. Cyro Baptista's Beat the Donkey
Curtain calls always make for a good opportunity to get
a group shot, but it's very rare to catch more personality
in a group that this one. Cyro was very kind to me each
time I saw him this summer, and hreally loved this shot.
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17. Les Claypool
Caught in the middle of one of his stomping sessions,
the Col. looks like he's completely absorbed in the groove.
Taken at this year's phenomenal MidX Music Festival in
West Virginia.
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16. Marc Roberge, Of A Revolution
Everfine Records puts on one hell of a show every year
at the "Feeling Better than Everfine" festival. OAR commanded
the crowd, and Marc seemed to be having a great time belting
out tales of heartache and poker.
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15. Ephram Towns, Dirty Dozen Brass Band
ET sweats a lot on stage, but I honestly never considered
using it as a focal point. This was one of those times
where an artist looks away right when I'm about to shoot,
but the abstraction actually makes the shot what it is.
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14. Guest
Athens, OH's own Guest invited me to photograph the filming
of their DVD at Columbus's Newport Music Hall. This is
my favorite group/cover shot of the year and it totally
showcased their lighting rigs.
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13. Drew Emmitt, Leftover Salmon
Leftover Salmon's own mandolin master, Drew Emmitt, gives
my lens a compelling look during a spring show at Cleveland's
Odeon.
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12. Houseman, Galactic
During a riveting version of "Saturday Night Special,"
Houseman assures the audience that "peace" is better than
guns and whiskey. The pattern on his suit made it pretty
easy to focus.
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11. Keller Williams
Caught in full sway, Keller's personality and performance
style really come across well in this shot. I think this
was during "Standing on the Moon" at this year's Allgood
Festival. And, yes, he does move that much.
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10. Eric Gould, Particle
Swimming in the light, Gould holds down the bottom for
one of my favorite groups in the world. 2003 saw the energy
levels and performance quality of their live shows push
straight through the roof and 2004 will be a huge year
for Particle. Clear the Launchpad and get ready for takeoff.
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9. Willie Nelson
I love the motion implied in the blurs and streaks in
this shot. Plus, I still get the chills whenever I hear
Willie launch into "Whiskey River." He is another living
legend, and I feel very fortunate to have had the chance
to capture him performing his art.
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8. Warren Haynes, Allman Brothers
It's tough to catch Warren smiling so big…but I guess
he didn't really have a choice as he took the stage with
the Allman Brothers for their fantastic summer tour. I
always think of him as a pretty happy guy and I like to
see that side of him come out on film.
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7. Charles Neville, Neville Brothers
Charles has always been my favorite Neville to shoot,
even before I owned a camera. Really, though, he always
looks like he's having fun, and his percussion instruments
make for interesting eye candy.
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6. Victor Wooten, The Flecktones
I love photos that really put you in the action, and
I think the slower shutter did just that for the greatest
bass player in the world, caught in DC's Lisner Auditorium.
Victor was in the middle of his solo, and seems to be
really feeling the groove.
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5. BB King
BB is getting older, but he hasn't slowed down his schedule
too much. It was a pleasure to catch him making an odd,
but very expressive face and pose on his annual summer
festival, while in the middle of telling a story about
how the women will always outsmart their men.
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4. James Brown
The godfather of soul, sweating out something positively
Bonnaroo. James was the man who seemingly every performer
at the festival named as an inspiration. It's not everyday
that I get to shoot a living legend and James was even
more animated than expected!
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3. George Clinton
Because I can see myself reflected in his glasses. Seriously,
though, I choose this because it was a tough shot to get
given the constant rain at this fall's Hookahville, and
the original Atomic Dog looks downright nasty as he feeds
his freak show of funk to the hungry crowd.
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2. Warren Haynes, Gov't Mule
Warren is one of my favorite subjects because he seems
to "ooze" something special - like his soul captures everything
around him. This is my favorite shot of him so far, taken
early this summer; I love the framing and the red light
in his curls.
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1. Neil Young and Willie Nelson
Farm Aid was one of the best shows this year, and I really
felt this shot captured the respect and genuine enjoyment
in Willie Nelson and Neil Young's exchange after Willie
joined Crazy Horse for "Down by the River."
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To view more of Robert Massie's work, or to contact him directly, please visit jampics.com.
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