Thomas Chapin Trio Plus Strings Haywireby George Lane, gmn.com

The incredible saxophonist/ flautist/ composer Thomas Chapin recorded a series of wonderfully creative and original recordings during his tragically short career.

The spectacular Haywire was recorded live at the Knitting Factory in 1996 and in similar fashion to his outstanding Insomnia CD recorded three years earlier, the superlative longstanding Trio of Chapin on reeds and flutes, Mario Pavone on bass and Michael Sarin on percussion is augmented for this recording. Only this time rather than brass it’s a string trio of highly talented and sensitive players: Kiyoto Fujiwara on bass, Boris Rayskin on cello and Mark Feldman on violin.

And, as with Insomnia, we’re reminded that Thomas was so much more than an extraordinary player of impeccable technique and total individualism who could effortlessly flow back and forth between avant-garde and straight-ahead with equal conviction and seamless continuity. Thomas was a visionary artist who will eventually be viewed as a member of the Pantheon of greats by future generations of musicians looking for inspiration.

His composing and arranging skills are superb on every level, as this recording makes abundantly clear, especially on the wonderful five-movement suite The Devil’s Hopyard, a brilliant 37+ minute excursion into adventurous exploration and uncompromising musicality. With the exception of the beautiful Diva by Enrico Rava (and the only concession to the “plays for lovers” style as Thomas states in his revelatory liner notes), all of the sensational compositions and arrangements are by Chapin, covering all bases from beautifully sensual to dynamically explosive.

As always, Pavone and Sarin are flawless in their sensitive support and boundless creativity. Although Thomas is the primary featured soloist, there is the omnipresent sense of collective spirit that was always so essential to his music, raising everybody above supporting roles. Violinist Feldman offers excellent solos on Haywire, Hoofin’ and Geek Gawkin’, an amazing foray in texture and rhythm that features Thomas’ roaring baritone sax.

For anyone who thinks great jazz art ended in the 70’s, this CD will change your mind.