Thomas Chapin Trio at the Newport Jazz Festival

[aram]

The first time I heard Thomas was about two years before his tragic death from cancer in 1998.

It was winter and I was driving home listening to one of those ;ate night NPR jazz shows. I was so blown away I pulled my car over to stop and listen, his voice was so powerful. The disc jockey didn't announce the group at the end of the set, so I spent a half an hour calling the radio station. When I finally got through, he said it was Thomas Chapin. Went out and bought a bunch of his cds the very next day.

Anyhow.

Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ4jfezUPgU

[Dajbro]

That's really great! I've heard his name for a long time, but never heard his music. I'm glad I have now and I'll have to look further into his stuff. Any CDs in particular that you recommend?

[dets1]

there was a small jazz club in waterbury ct. called the hillside, seated maybe 25 people, that he used to play at maybe once a month. they would get a lot of guys out of NYC to play. he was the one you'd never forget. not only was he a stellar sax player, he kicked ass on flute and also played fender rhodes and percussion. but man, when he got it going- get the hell out of the way! it was mind blowing. if you like his stuff, the bass player mario pavone has some very cool stuff out. some with mr. chapin. thanks for reminding me about him. :dude

[dets1]

sorry, i didn't see the link posted. that's mario pavone playng bass in the vid. he was the house bassist at the hillside.

[Strung Up]

When I was back East, Mario Pavone was the house bassist for a huge percentage of all progressive jazz throughout central New England and NY. Thomas Chapin was a ubiquitous force of nature, with all of its ebbs and flows.