Welcome to the Thomas Chapin Website
A versatile multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and composer, in the 80s and 90s, Chapin led a trio performing his own music playing in New York City's downtown scene, and at festivals and clubs around the world. An outstanding composer of larger works as well, he sometimes augmented the trio with strings and horn ensembles.
Though leukemia tragically ended his life in 1998 at age 40, Thomas Chapin left behind a legacy of many excellent albums and performances, and a reputation as one of jazz's more extraordinary musicians and one of the few musicians to exist in both the worlds of the downtown, experimentalist scene and mainstream jazz. He continues to be a highly influential and inspirational force to those who knew him and to those who continue to know him through his music and example.
Inside
LIFT OFF! REMEMBERING THOMAS CHAPIN:
Two Concerts on the Tenth Year of His Passing
Two upcoming memorial concerts mark one decade since the passing of avant jazz master Thomas Chapin who left an indelible mark on those with whom he collaborated and those listeners with whom he enthralled, and continues to today. Many said his death at 40 was too soon and that his music and career was just "gaining altitude."
These tenth-anniversary-of-his-passing concerts, aptly titled, "LIFT OFF!", named after the 1991 sky-rocketing composition by Chapin, bring together his former colleagues who return to that moment passed, and intend to give Chapin the full musical send-off and salute he deserves, but one that eluded him ten years ago.
Internationally renowned downtown-saxophonist John Zorn, who performed and recorded with Chapin in the 90's, offered these words in honor of Thomas and the upcoming LIFT OFF! memorial concerts: "He was the real deal. A complete musician in every sense. He created work that was honest, imaginative, well crafted and cathartic, putting himself into each and every note. He played with a rare and intense passion. His energy was absolutely astounding. He is sorely missed."
Concert 1
LIFT OFF! Remembering Thomas Chapin: “Higher and Higher" Concert
Wed., Feb. 13, 2008 • 6:30 – 10:30pm • free to the public
St. Peter's Church
619 Lexington Avenue @ 54th Street
NY, NY 10022-4610
Tel. 212/935-2200
Guest Artists: Mario Pavone, Michael Sarin, Steven Bernstein, Paul Jeffrey, Pablo Aslan's Avantango, The New Thomas Chapin Orchestra (formerly members of the Walter Thompson Orchestra), Armen Donelian, Peggy Stern, Spirits Rebellious Quartet with Arthur Kell, Saul Rubin, Art Baron and Matt Wilson and other special guests, w/ film clip tribute, speakers.
Concert 2
LIFT OFF! Remembering Thomas Chapin: “Higher Still" Concert
Fri., Feb. 15, 2008 • 8:00 – 11:30pm • $15 per person
Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery Street @ Bleecker
NY, NY 10012
Tel. 212/614-0505
Guest Artists: Mario Pavone, Michael Sarin, Marty Ehrlich, James Spaulding, Michael Musillami Trio, Poets John Richey and Steve Dalachinsky, Bob Musso, next-generation saxophonist young Brett Ryan, New Thomas Chapin Orchestra directed by Paul Jeffrey and Walter Thompson, w/ film clips and guest speakers.
Ride Takes Off
Ride is landing on Top 10 lists by DJs & Critics across nation, including Bob Rogers, WSHA-FM; Maurice Hogue, CKUW-FM; Brain Morton, Jazz Review; Fred Grand, Jazz Review; and Jerry D'Souza, All About Jazz.
Read much much more in CD Reviews
All New! Exclusive Web Interviews
"[Thomas was] a lightning-fast alto player... He always took you on a journey from the accessible, normal jazz vocabulary out into something you never heard before." - John Phillips, Producer, Festival Productions more...
The Thomas Chapin Story
The complete story of Thomas Chapin's musical evolution – his schooling, his influences, as musical director with Lionel Hampton, his trio years & legacy. (by Bob Blumenthal of The Boston Globe) more...
Ride NEW CD Release
The Thomas Chapin Trio CD, Ride (Playscape, 6/06) is the first live European concert ever released. Includes two new tunes "Pet Scorpion" and "Ticket to Ride." more...