Chris Massey

Chris Massey

Chris Massey is a Manchester-born dance music DJ, producer and A&R, and is also described in the supplied biography as a jazz drummer and Spectra Jazz recording artist. He grows up in Uniontown, Ohio, where he first plays drumsticks at the age of nine, and starts formal jazz study as a Jazz Performance major at Youngstown State University in 2000.

Jazz training and early development

During his time at university, Massey studies with local jazz figure Cedric Hobbs, who has played with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and other major jazz names. The biography says this period shapes his view of jazz as more than a genre, treating it instead as a state of consciousness. He begins composing in 2001 and later records his first composition, “Gotham Nights”, which is performed in 2005.

Performance career

From 2003, Massey performs with Donald Harrison Jr., and later appears with Dave Holland, Joe Lovano, members of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the Birdland Big Band and members of The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, among others. He is described as a modern drummer working in the swing tradition, with an approach focused on supporting other players and building energy around them.

Teaching and band work

Massey has taught lessons since 1998, working with students from beginner level through to advanced college standard. At the time described in the biography, he is living in the New York City area and leading his modern jazz group, The Nue Jazz Project. He also performs in venues including Smoke, Cleopatra’s Needle, Smalls, Fat Cat, 55bar, The Garage and The Iridium.

Recording work

His debut album, Vibrainium, is recorded for the Spectra Jazz label. The biography also identifies him as a recording artist for Spectra Jazz. Alongside performance, he develops as a composer and arranger, with influences including Brian Blade and Jeff “Tain” Watts.