“Music was a state of being; it was never something I had to consider.“
born
March 9, 1957 in Manchester, CT
instruments
Alto, Tenor, Soprano, Sopranino and Baritone Saxophones, Clarinet, Flute, Pan Flute, Shakuhatchi, Chinese Wei, Piano, and various percussion and shakers
in his own words
"I've found the truer I am to myself, and to my music, the better people react to it." - Hartford Courant
A versatile multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and composer, in the 80s and 90s, Thomas 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 superb recordings and performances, and a reputation as one of jazz’s more extraordinary musicians – 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.
Please view a near-definitive international article at the Belgium Jazz’halo website on Thomas Chapin, entitled "The Thomas Chapin Era," which was updated and released in July 2016. The piece includes a thorough career history, major feature news articles, timelines, photos, music and video links, quotes by Thomas Chapin, musician colleagues, music industry persons, the press, and more.
Please take a moment to share your comments, inquiries or memories of Thomas Chapin.
Award Winning Thomas Chapin Film, Night Bird Song - Now Available Worldwide
The DVD, digital download, and streaming options, at 96 min., are now available.
Watch online on iTunes, Amazon Prime, and other platforms.
DVD available at Barnes and Noble and Best Buy.
A Special Edition 2-DVD set which includes a DVD of the film and a 2nd DVD with 6 hours of content, live performance and interviews, is also now available online and in stores.
Thomas Chapin: Night Bird Song Trailer
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Thank you
EDITOR'S NOTE: AKASHA, INC., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, is helping to preserve Thomas Chapin's Music Legacy and keep his indomitable spirit alive for generations to come. Together with some dedicated musicians, professionals, family and friends, we are working to collect historical and biographical items; collect, preserve and publish raw recordings, audio and visual works; and bring his music and compositions into academic environs. Akasha has placed Thomas’ archives within the Special Collections at Duke University (North Carolina), created the Thomas Chapin website, released posthumous CD releases: Ride (2006) and Never Let Me Go (2012), with new releases yet forthcoming, has produced music-tribute concerts in the memory of Thomas Chapin, and supports the film, Night Bird Song (2016) by filmmaker Stephanie J. Castillo. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to support Akasha's work to help keep the legacy of Thomas Chapin going. Donate via the Paypal donation page at Akasha Inc. at this website or anywhere a Paypal donation button appears throughout the website or contact us by email at akasha.jazz@gmail.com about how to send a check or money order by mail, U.S. dollars only, made out to "Akasha Inc." Foreign checks/money orders, please add $10 U.S. for bank fees & handling. Thank you for supporting Thomas Chapin, his legacy and his music to continue for future generations.