Akasha

Akasha, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to education through the preservation and advancement of the Thomas Chapin Music Legacy

As with many of the other masters who died so young – John Coltrane (40), Eric Dolphy (36), Charlie Parker (35), Clifford Brown (25) – Thomas’ legend has grown since his departure and will continue to grow. And as with them, the unanswered questions of what might have been are answered in part by the extraordinary body of work, much of it still unpublished, that he left behind. Thomas produced more than a dozen albums over the last 10 years of his life, but there are numerous unpublished recordings and unrecorded compositions from this period that, if made available to the public, will help extend his remarkable legacy to future generations of musicians and listeners.

All of these materials have been collected under the auspices of Akasha, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation established by his widow Terri Castillo-Chapin. Terri and a good number of other similarly dedicated musicians, professionals, family and friends are working together to produce and release these works for public availability, and keep Thomas’ indomitable spirit alive.

Already Akasha has placed Thomas’ archives with the Duke University Special Collections Library, has re-acquired all of his Knitting Factory recordings, has created the thomaschapin.com website, has released in 1999 an 8-CD boxed set of his Knitting Factory years with the Trio, called “Alive,” and also released in 2006, a CD of a live performance from North Sea Jazz Festival, 1995, said by many to be one of his finest performances.

In February 13 and 15, 2008, two well-attended public jazz concerts were held in New York City in remembrance of Thomas’ tenth year of passing. Called “Lift Off!”, these two nights of concerts included some of the finest names in jazz from all over the world, including Paul Jeffrey, James Spaulding, Marty Ehrlich, Walter Thompson, Mario Pavone and Mike Sarin, among many other world-class musicians.

Akasha is currently compiling and collecting various film and audio materials of Thomas, his performances and/or interviews, as well as related historical and biographical items. Akasha is also preparing to release all of sheet music and scores of his extended compositions for larger ensembles.

Akasha is also seeking other recordings, in audio, film, video and digital, as well as other miscellaneous materials in other formats, that may have been made of his fine performances by fans or presenters. Akasha welcomes response from the music community of any documented materials to be donated to his Legacy library and Duke archives. Contact by email: akasha@thomaschapin.com or write Akasha, Inc., P.O. Box 720083, Jackson Heights, NY, 11372, U.S.A.

A tax-deductible contribution toward the effort of preserving and maintaining Thomas Chapin’s music legacy and keeping his music alive, are welcomed and can be made online (go to “Donations), or by sending a check or money order (U.S. dollars only accepted) to:

Akasha, Inc.
P.O. Box 720083
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
U.S.A.

A limited supply of the now out-of-print “Night Bird Song” CD and “Alive” 8-CD boxed set gifts are available for more generous contributions. Please see the donation page for more details.