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 once again we asked Robert to take us behind the lens, and share his personal favorite shots of the year.
Just an interesting and simple abstract photo that may go a long way to back up the kids in high school who said “Yeah, we realize that smoking is bad for your health, but it makes you look so cool”…
24. Robert Randolph
The next guitar god had a breakthrough year with a Grammy performance and substantial growth on the road. I love the classic feel of his standup guitar and how there’s just enough abstraction for fans to know and fair-weathers to keep guessing…
I think Lotus is one of the best things brewing up in the jam world these days, and Mike’s finesse on the guitar is a big reason they’re gaining ground. Diffusion and skylight filters made this shot one that stands out in my mind.
22. Chris Robinson
Any shutterbug knows that framing goes a long way, but unless you’ve paid off the light guy, a live music photographer never really knows what’ll happen next. Luckily, sometimes the stars (and intellibeams) align.
21. Chris Littlefield, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
Chris is Karl “Diesel” Denson’s main man, but if you ask me, there are nights where his outstanding contributions are what really fuel the Tiny Universe’s sonic voyages.
20. Del McCoury
A living legend in every sense of the word, Del seems to thrive on life on the road with his boys and his band. I don’t think there’s an artist I respect more for his sense of family and the true passion that rings in every note, each and every night.
A photograph that truly looks to be of another era gone by, in stark contrast to its subject, the celestial traveler from 2050. I love the vintage feel I obtained by using a soft blue diffusion filter on a sun-soaked summer day.
18. Ivan Neville, Neville Brothers
Ivan’s got his game face on as the world champion Neville Brothers hit another one out of the park. Lately it seems his performance has been increasingly crucial in propelling the legendary New Orleans innovators into a league of their own.
When Dickey Betts is on stage, school is in session and you had better take notes. Here, the class was lucky enough to catch the master dropping true unadulterated science under a “Blue Sky”.
16. Ryan Stasik, Umphrey’s McGee
Ryan Stasik has a reason to smile these days, as he’s responsible for putting the “Umph” into the band most heavily predicted to have a huge 2005. Bull horns and bloody rock and roll!
Giving credit where credit is due. Thanks to Guided by Voices for the years of inspiration and endurance. Your presence in the live music scene will be missed but your influence will never be forgotten!
14. Jim James, My Morning Jacket
Sometimes the artists have a look that speaks for itself. Jim James’ wild hair looks like its on fire, but it’s not even half as hot as My Morning Jacket’s live show at Cleveland’s “Odeon”.
Brad was tuning up with the help of a little extra overhead light and I jumped to snap a quick picture in this horridly lit club - proof positive that patience and prowess pay off in photography.
12. Cathy Henderson &Cassidy, Antigone Rising
Antigone Rising had a wonderful year as they and their entourage of Manbunnies toured with Aerosmith and, shown here, delighted in devastating the crowd at the Feeling Better than Everfine festival.
Something very spooky is going on in this photo. DSO fans know Kadlecik has an uncanny voice that would fool even Jerry Garcia’s mother, but I swear that he’s beginning to morph into the splitting image of Capt. Trips circa 1977.
10. John Medeski, Medeski, Martin, and Wood
Not even a strong diffusion filter can blur John Medeski’s smile as he drops a Hammond wash that makes his shirt and the backdrop six shades whiter.
Talk about impact! This shot (accomplished with use of a cross-screen filter) seems to scream with vibrancy and is as close as I could come to capturing a part of the energy that STS9 emits on a nightly basis.
8. Chris Chew, North Mississippi All Stars
Perspective matters. Big Chris has always been one to enjoy a funky romp in the afternoon festival sunshine, but few have soaked in and surveyed the scene from this standpoin.
Bernie created funk with Parliament-Funkadelic then interjected his trademark sound into the Talking Heads. A member of the R&R Hall of Fame and always a true pleasure to hear and see, as this photo reflects!
6. Victor Wooten, The Flecktones
Just how fast is the best bass player in the world? So fast that you can see through his hands as he reinvents the live art of the low end each and every time he hits the stage.
Chuck Garvey delights in letting a bit of his devilish side come through. A very rewarding photo, as I took it from the crowded floor of the 9:30 Club in DC. Proof that aspiring photogs don’t necessarily need a photo pit – just a vision and the band’s permission.
4. Art Neville, The Funky Meters
Poppa Funk himself…one of the artists who clearly represents both the pinnacle of where the music has been as well as the best of what’s to come.
”King of the Thing” Marc Roberge and the boys in OAR had a great year and their summer tour set a new mark for the group, as everything was airtight and “Right on Time”.
2. Theresa Andersson
Does music get any more beautiful than Theresa Andersson? The next breakout superstar of the Southern scene has started her ascent and looks to be having the time of her life along the climb.
Lonely Boys had a huge year and “Walked the Line” leading from relative obscurity to international stardom (and Sony commercials). A huge congrats to the Garza brothers!
To view more of Robert Massie's work, or to contact him directly, please visit jampics.com.
