LIFT OFF! REMEMBERING THOMAS CHAPIN: Two Concerts on the Tenth Year of His Passing

Two memorial concerts in New York City in February, 2008, marked one decade since the passing of avant jazz master Thomas Chapin who left an indelible mark on those with whom he collaborated and those listeners with whom he enthralled, and continues to today. Many said his death at 40 was too soon and that his music and career was just “gaining altitude.”

These tenth-anniversary-of-his-passing concerts, aptly titled, “LIFT OFF!”, named after the 1991 sky-rocketing composition by Chapin, brought together his former colleagues, some 64 world-class musicians in all, from all manner of formats throughout his intricate career. Together they returned to that moment passed, and gave Chapin the full musical send-off and salute he deserved— one that eluded him ten years ago.

Internationally renowned downtown-saxophonist John Zorn, who performed and recorded with Chapin in the 80’s and 90’s, offered these words in honor of Thomas: “He was the real deal. A complete musician in every sense. He created work that was honest, imaginative, well crafted and cathartic, putting himself into each and every note. He played with a rare and intense passion. His energy was absolutely astounding. He is sorely missed.”

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Concert 1
LIFT OFF! Remembering Thomas Chapin: “Higher and Higher” Concert
Wed., Feb. 13, 2008 • 6:30 – 10:30pm
St. Peter’s Church
619 Lexington Avenue @ 54th Street
NY, NY 10022-4610
Guest Artists: Mario Pavone, Michael Sarin, Steven Bernstein, Paul Jeffrey, Pablo Aslan’s Avantango, The New Thomas Chapin Orchestra (formerly members of the Walter Thompson Orchestra), Armen Donelian, Peggy Stern, Ineke Van Doorn and Marc Van Vugt (Holland), Spirits Rebellious Quartet with Arthur Kell, Saul Rubin, Art Baron and Matt Wilson and other special guests, w/ film clip tribute, guest speakers, including Ted Chapin, Sam Kaufman and Michael Dorf.

Concert 2
LIFT OFF! Remembering Thomas Chapin: “Higher Still” Concert
Fri., Feb. 15, 2008 • 8:00 – 11:30pm
Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery Street @ Bleecker
NY, NY 10012
Guest Artists: Mario Pavone, Michael Sarin, Marty Ehrlich, James Spaulding, Michael Musillami Trio, Poets John Richey and Steve Dalachinsky, Bob Musso, next-generation saxophonist young Brett Ryan, New Thomas Chapin Orchestra directed by Paul Jeffrey and Walter Thompson, w/ film clips and guest speakers, including John Phillips and Bruce Lee Gallanter.

Download the postcard for these shows

Photo: Evening of Wed., Feb. 13 at St. Peter’s Church – Mario Pavone (bass) & Michael Sarin (drums) with Steven Bernstein (trumpet), Michael Blake (sax) and Frank Kimbrough (piano). Photo by Patricia Tortoricci.