Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Chris Massey & The NJP: Whosoever
Chris Massey & The NJP: Whosoever
ByArt Blakey
drums1919 - 1990
Massey tips his cap to those who came before him by including an always-in-style standard ("Old Devil Moon"), a high energy original ("Whosoever") that balances Blakey-esque ideals with

McCoy Tyner
piano1938 - 2020

John Coltrane
saxophone1926 - 1967

Rahsaan Roland Kirk
woodwinds1935 - 1977

Tony Williams
drums1945 - 1997

Eric Harland
drumsb.1976
The other half of this eight song program is no less absorbing, as Massey makes his mark through different means. He dips his pen into firm-and-fiery ink ("Onyx Guard"), delivers an understated waltz with mournful undertones ("Warriors Three"), and pays tribute to two of today's biggest drumming names; he tackles the feisty music of

Jeff Tain Watts
drumsb.1960

Brian Blade
drumsb.1970

Jon Cowherd
pianoWhile Vibrainium and Whosoever both rely on a line-up that puts saxophone and trumpet out in front of a standard, three-man rhythm section, the personnel listing from one album to the other is completely different. Trumpeter

Benny Benack III
trumpet and vocals
Adam Larson
saxophoneb.1990

Benjamin Drazen
saxophoneb.1972

Willerm Delisfort
pianob.1983
Many a young artist feels the need to reinvent themselves with each album, but Massey isn't trying to find himself or live a chameleon's life; this young drummer knows just who he is and he proudly displays his artistic identity for all to hear on Whosoever. ">
Track Listing
Whosoever; Crooked Creek; Giant Steps; Old Devil Moon; Warriors Three; Return Of The Jitney Man; Onyx Guardian; Pedal Up.
Personnel
Chris Massey
drumsAdam Larson: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Benny Benack III: trumpet; Willerm Delisfort: piano; Chris Talio: bass; Chris Massey: drums.
Album information
Title: Whosoever | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced
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