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…
Inside
Highlight for 2012 - A Downtown Insider Tells the Outside Story of Thomas Chapin
Here’s the real story from New York City’s downtown music insider, Bruce Lee Gallanter, of Thomas Chapin’s evolution in the downtown scene that revolved around the (original) Knitting Factory, a club that defined new music and all the fine players for decades in the 80s and 90s. At the very beginning, Gallanter points everyone to Thomas Chapin and the young alto player makes a big splash that catches the attention of the big cats on the scene. Gallanter—who, with owner Manny Maris, ran the famous out record store Lunch for Your Ears, and who later became co-owners of Downtown Music Gallery—knew every inch of the incredibly hotbed and brewing music scene and he puts Chapin at the heart of it. Read here…
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…
Exclusive Web Interviews: 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…
Ride - 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…