By Ludwig Van Trikt, Philadelphia City Paper
October 31–November 7, 1996
Thomas Chapin Trio
During Thomas Chapin's recent European tour, a male member of audience yelled out, "I want to marry you!!!!!" This adoring fan was probably enamored by how the saxophone and flute player brilliantly combines his postmodern influences and avant-garde associations, which include Anthony Braxton, John Zorn and the band Machine Gun.
The Connecticut native began his career as straw boss for Lionel Hampton's band and soaring sideman to Chico Hampton. His open-ended aesthetic was furthered by saxophonist educator Paul Jeffrey, who taught him enough about bop history to inspire a musical smorgasbord. Each of his albums (on Knitting Factory records) are conceptually brilliant, melding hair-splitting arrangements of sax, bass and drums to spiky brass and strings. "Built into my music is a lot of sarcasm. I like to have fun. I like to tease," he writes in his artist's statement.
But his artform is best experienced live. He's a distinctive improviser in performance and his intensity level matches that of a revival tent meeting or James Brown concert.
Drummer Michael Sarin and bassist Mario Pavone can match Chapin wit for wit on his level of galvanizing energy. The new album, Haywire (Knitting Factory),spotlights the trio expanded by a string section. Thomas Chapin is the must-see concert of the autumn season.
The Thomas Chapin Trio, Sat., Nov. 2, 8 & 11 p.m., the Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 925-9914.