D.D. Jackson RemembersD.D. Jackson, jazz pianist-composer

I was really deeply saddened to learn of saxophone/flutist/composer Thomas Chapin’s death, even as I expected in recent months that it might come to this.

I only knew Thomas personally for a brief time, but will always remember the concert I did with him in June/97 at the Knitting factory fest with his group (also in the band was Santi Debriano on bass, Matt Wilson on drums, and Steve Nelson on vibes). It was one of those rare concerts where everything seemed to clcik, and despite being burdend at the time with having recently completed a round of chemo, Thomas was in inspired form.

I really appreciated Thomas’ giving nature, both in his music which was so open-minded in its approach, and as a person; from the little I knew him personally, I could sense a truly gentle, generous person who it seems would have been hard-pressed to ever offend anyone.

You’ll be missed Thomas.