INSOMNIA Liner Notes-1992by Thomas Chapin

Insomnia, the Thomas Chapin Trio Plus Brass, is the first larger ensemble work of Thomas Chapin for the trio format, composed and recorded live in 1991 in NYC for Knit Fac Music. As of 2004, all Thomas Chapin Trio CD releases are the property of Akasha Records.

Notes by Thomas Chapin:

“The Shrine Within is approached with both discipline and intuition. My goal is to attain the Blessed State, to go beyond my usual sense of self.

“The Trio compositions are usually derived from ideas which arise as I practice my instruments, sing in the shower, dance around. The elements are loosely organized, brought into rehearsal, notes worked out in private, etc., and then I ask: ‘How do we make a piece out of this?’ And thus it evolves through interaction, acquiring form, character and a life of its own along the way.

“For this project, I chose to conceive the compositions (mostly) whole from the outset, expanding on feelings and concepts from the Trio vocabulary and relying on the interpretative powers of the larger group.

“I am often asked what my ‘influences’ are. I deny nothing, but as a listener I notice in this recording certain evidence of many aspects of the jazz heritage, including Lionel Hampton (my former employer), Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Ornette Coleman, and various other musics, “downtown” and otherwise: central African horn ensemble, Japanese shakuhachi, donkeys, chickens, birds in general, and a host of devils. What do you hear?

“I would also like to acknowledge two influences who may not be obvious to the be-hearer: Paul Jeffrey, who taught me by example the value of hard work and love for the music; and Gil Barretto, who helped me Recognize another self in my music and to develop the idea of giving over to that self when I play. Also thanks to Bill Singer, my sax doctor, Terri Castillo and Walter Thompson.

“Thanks to all concerned with this project—the Trio and our brass brothers, our recordists, tape editor, executive producer, cover artist, photographer, and numerous others (including the audiences!).”

All compositions and arrangements by Thomas Chapin © Peace Park Publishing
Recorded live at the Knitting Factory, NYC, December, 1992 by John Rosenberg and James McLean
Digital Editing by Ken Dias
Artwork by David Goldin

Thomas Chapin, alto sax & flute
Mario Pavone, bass
Michael Sarin, drums
with
Al Bryant, trumpet
Frank London, trumpet
Curtis Fowlkes, trombone
Peter McEachern, trombone
Marcus Rojas, tuba
Ray Stewart, tuba on “Equatoria”

INSOMNIA is the property of Akasha, Inc., P.O. Box 720083, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, U.S.A.