Welcome to the Official Website for Thomas Chapin
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. ~~Scroll down for more news~~
Photo above by Enid Farber @ enidfarberfoto.com
News
2013 NEWS: FILM MAKES IT'S GOAL OF $50,000 AT KICKSTARTER FOR THE THOMAS CHAPIN FILM PROJECT @ 10:20 AM EST, MARCH 30. FILM SHOOTING WILL COMMENCE THIS SUMMER!
The Kickstarter.com global fund-raising initiative for a film about Thomas Chapin reached it’s goal of $50,000+ at 10:20 AM, EST on Saturday, March 30. Folks came through in the last days and hours leading up to the deadline. On Friday, March 29, NY impresario Michael Dorf, founder of the original Knitting Factory and City Winery, gave a significant pledge of $10,000 with a challenge to friends and fans of Thomas to come up with the rest (about $12,000) by the deadline. His big give sparked a flurry of activity through the day, into the night and in the last final hours the morning of Saturday, March 30.
At est. 10:30 am, the board showed $50,000; goal reached! Hurray! At the final deadline hour of 11:47 am EST, the board tally sounded: 224 Backers. $51,522 pledged of $50,000 goal. 0 minutes to go. HOME RUN!
Thanks to everyone who participated and gave. Thanks to Michael Dorf! And thanks to those who gave their heart presence! Thanks to the Chapin family who have supported the film at every level. Thanks to Emmy winning filmmaker-director of the film, Stephanie J. Castillo for her tireless, driving passion to get this film made. Night Bird Song: The Thomas Chapin Story will tell Thomas’ story to a world that needs to know about a jazz master who left us too soon – but whose music is forever!
With success at Kickstarter, Stephanie will begin filming this summer in Europe at jazz festivals where Thomas performed. She’ll create a professional trailer and take it to large foundations and grantors and get funding to finish filming, editing and marketing the film by 2014.
You can still give to support the filmmaking effort! You can give here at the website to Akasha, Inc., the non-profit created for Thomas Chapin’s legacy. All donations are fully tax deductible.
Donate at Thomas Chapin website by credit card via Paypal here:
CLICK HERE to give at www.thomaschapin.com/donate
If you prefer to send a check or money order U.S., please make it out to “Akasha, Inc,” and send to:
Akasha Inc.
P.O. Box 721032
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
CLICK HERE to view the film trailer www.kickstarter.com/projects/290658030/night-bird-song-the-thomas-chapin-story
***
Read more inside at LATEST NEWS: FILM BIO IN THE MAKING
For updates on the film project and additional info about Emmy-winning film director Stephanie J. Castillo and Night Bird Song: The Thomas Chapin Story , please visit www.thomaschapinfilm.com.
Color photos for Kickstarter campaign © Enid Farber Photography.
ALL NEW Thomas Chapin Quartet 3-CD --NEVER LET ME GO (Playscape Recordings)
An exciting, acclaimed Thomas Chapin 3-CD set was released in Dec., 2012. NEVER LET ME GO is a rare, late-career quartet sessions— ’95 Flushing Town Hall and ’96 Knitting Factory (both in NYC). The indefatigable saxophonist-flautist with “monster chops” pushes the limits as never before. See Press Release… SPECIAL: DONORS WHO GIVE $250 OR MORE CAN RECEIVE THE 3-CD SET, NEVER LET ME GO. Your gift will help continue the legacy of Thomas Chapin. You can give here at the website to Akasha, Inc., the non-profit created for Thomas Chapin’s legacy. All donations are fully tax deductible. CLICK HERE to give at www.thomaschapin.com/donate
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…
Excusive Web Interview: Mario Pavone
“When I look at it now, every solo [Thomas] took was with the thought in mind that he might not be around to play another. Every solo was like two solos…. He was smart, well-informed, full of incredible energy, a virtuoso, experimenting and pushing the envelope all of the time, never letting up.” – Mario Pavone, master bassist & 18 years collaborator with Thomas Chapin. read more…