I’ve Got Your Number

Arabesque Records. 1993

Recorded music belongs to Arabesque Records

Original music only by Thomas Chapin, all publishing rights belong to Thomas Chapin/Akasha Inc.

Personnel:

Thomas Chapin, alto sax, flute

Ronnie Mathews, piano

Ray Drummond, bass

Steve Johns, drums

Louis Bauzo, congas

TRACKS:

1. I've Got Your Number (Pub rights to C. Coleman)

2. Drinkin'

3. Time Waits (Pub rights to B. Powell)

4. Moon Ray (Pub rights to A. Shaw)

5. Don't Look Now

6. The Present

7. The Walking Wounded

8. Rhino!

About

Personnel: Thomas Chapin (alto saxophone, flute), Ronnie Matthews (piano), Ray Drummond (acoustic bass), Steve Jones (drums), Louis Bauzo (congas). Personnel: Thomas Chapin (flute, alto flute, alto saxophone); Ronnie Mathews (piano); Steve Johns (drums); Louis Bauzo (congas).

Liner Note Author: Vernon Frazer.

Recording information: Skyline Studios, New York, NY (01/11/1993).

Photographer: Richard Meltzer.

Producer: Marty Ehrlich Country: USA Studio/Live: Studio

Reviews

Down Beat (2/94, p.52)

3 1/2 Stars - Good Plus - "...a fire breathing downtown improviser on alto sax and flute...[a] strong, diverse set..."

All Music Guide Review - Scott Yanow, Rovi from ARTISTS DIRECT.com, part of Rogue Network

Although this is essentially a modern bop session, it is obvious that altoist Thomas Chapin was open to more explorative music. Chapin and his quintet (with pianist Ronnie Mathews) interpret three lesser-known standards and five of his own diverse originals. Chapin's tone at times recall aspects of Phil Woods and Jackie McLean but is largely original, and his style is a bit unpredictable. He also takes inventive flute solos on two pieces (including Bud Powell's "Time Waits"). The overall results are quite pleasing and often exciting within the modern mainstream of jazz.

Chris Kelsey, All Music Guide

In 1993, he led a date for Arabesque that showcased his more straight-ahead style; *I've Got Your Number* featured a rhythm section of the bop-oriented pianist Ronnie Matthews and bassist Ray Drummond, along with drummer Johns. The next year, he again recorded a fairly conventional jazz album for Arabesque, *You Don't Know Me* featuring trumpeter Tom Harrell and pianist Peter Madsen. Chapin also evinced an interest in world music. In person, he would frequently play various small hand percussion instruments and wood flutes, combining various traditions in an affectionate and non-exploitive way.

Scott Yanow, p. 215, All Music Guide to Jazz: The Definitive Guide to Jazz

Throughout this well-rounded CD, Thomas Chapin (who switches between alto, soprano and flute) is in superb form, whether doing a humorous impression of Eric Dolphy on "Izzit," featuring his flute on "Namibian Sunset," jamming on the chord changes of "Goodbye," (which is usually taken much slower), or putting plenty of feeling into the blues ballad "You Don't Know Me." Trumpeter Tom Harrell helps out on a few selections and pianist Peter Madsen has some outstanding solos but the record is recommended primarily for the exuberant and consistently creative playing of Chapin, a rapidly emerging talent who deserves much more recognition.