Thomas Chapin Radius

Track Listing:

1. One Man Blues (6:54)
2. Radius (6:32)
3. Forgotten Game (11:15)
4. Jitterbug Waltz (8:17)
5. Egg Hunt (11:51)
6. A January Tear (5:36)

Personnel:

Thomas Chapin – alto sax, flute, mezzo-soprano sax
Ronnie Mathews – piano
Ray Drummond – bass
John Betsch – drums
Ara Dinkjian – oud (on Forgotten Game)
Sam Turner – congas (on Forgotten Game, Egghunt)

Credits:

Produced and engineered by Robert Musso

Mastered by Tom Ruff

Recorded at 39th Street Music Studios on 2/4/84.

Cover Art by L. A. Willette

B&W photocopy by Thomas Chapin from original photo by Pat Jolly

Back cover art by David Goldin

All compositions by Thomas Chapin/Peace Park Publishing/BMI except #4, by Fats Waller

Liner Notes

Thomas Chapin continually succeeds at the many worlds of jazz improv. From five years swinging and directing the Lionel Hampton Big Band, to heavy blowing with Chico Hamilton more recently, through the pop burning of Thomas’ own RADIUS quartet, Alacra has just released his lovely world music LP of mostly flute work entitled, “Spirits Rebellious.” None of this prepares us for the incredible alto sax blasting with Machine Gun, as well as his spiritual eruptions with his current trio featuring Mario Pavone on bass and Steven Johns on drums.

With each release on which Thomas appears, it becomes more apparent how large his vision encompasses the incorporation of world music, as well as strengthening his jazz center. He is a most selective composer and player. Each piece, each solo, utilizes a perfect swinging rhythm team on this RADIUS release: Ronnie Mathew’s on piano, Ray Drummond on bass, John Betsch on drums, and Sam Turner on congas. As always, Thomas burns on alto, has perfected a smooth/sly tone on soprano, and is featured most often on flute, both haunting and lovely in texture. An unexpected gem is the special appearance of an oud player, Ara Dinkjian, duetting with Thomas’ flute in a bluesy area. An unusual yet perfect combination from a perfect release.

Bravo!
Bruce Lee Gallantar