They said he had “monster chops," that he blew two solos in every one, and that he played fast and furious, packing in everything as if in a rush to say it all. And in the end, he was. With lightning-rod speed he danced for us, briefly, and then flew away. On February 13, 1998 at age 40, Thomas Chapin passed on after a year-long battle with leukemia. His indomitable spirit and luminous body of music lives on. Thomas Chapin continues to be an inspirational force.
Dear Friends and Fans of Thomas Chapin,
Please join me in remembering our friend Thomas on the occasion of his 50th birthday, Friday, March 9. Let's each remember him in our own way. Light a candle, say a prayer, play his music, call a friend and reminisce, take a walk in the woods (Thomas loved nature!), mention him at your gig or on the radio or in print. Let's tell the world, “Rejoice--a really good guy lived among us for a short time and made our lives better. He left a treasure--his music. It lives on and his influence grows. His name is Thomas Chapin."
Website Launch
In conjunction with this special 50th birthday, Akasha, Inc. is launching thomaschapin.com. Please visit the new site! There you'll find biographical information, exclusive interviews, articles, reviews, photos, art, videos, his music and sheet music. We welcome your messages and reminiscences. We can post them later, with your permission. In the coming weeks, more features will be added.
Ride CD
“A performance of near-constant, broiling and searing emotional heat." - Chris May, AllAboutJazz.com
The Thomas Chapin Trio's latest CD, Ride (June, 2006) is the first European trio concert to be released, from the North Sea Jazz Festival,1995. Featured are Mario Pavone and Michael Sarin. Available in select retail stores and at Playscape Recordings. Download a free MP3 of “Bad Birdie“ from All About Jazz.
AllAboutJazz.com
Visit All About Jazz for their commemoration of Thomas Chapin on the occasion of his 50th birthday. Also read a beautiful remembrance of Thomas from 1999 by Peter Madsen, a pianist who played with Thomas often and who appears on Thomas' Arabesque CD, You Don't Know Me.
Akasha, Inc.
This 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation is helping to preserve Thomas Chapin's Music Legacy and keep his indomitable spirit alive for generations to come. Together with some dedicated musicians, professionals, family and friends, we are working to collect historical and biographical items; collect, preserve and publish raw recordings, audio and visual works; and bring his music and compositions into academic environs. Akasha has placed Thomas' archives within the Special Collections at Duke University, released the Ride CD, and created a website.
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution on the occasion of Thomas' 50th birthday to support Thomas' Legacy work. Your donation can be made online or by sending a check or money order (USD) made out to Akasha, Inc. to: Akasha, Inc., PO Box 720083, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 USA. Include your name, address and phone number.
Gift: A limited supply of Alive, a rare, out-of-print 8-CD Boxed Set of the Thomas Chapin Trio music is available for donations over $200.
Happy Birthday Thomas!
Finally, have a beautiful Friday, March 9, everyone! May we all feel the blessing of the huge spirit that was Thomas Chapin, who said over and over again in what was to be the last year of his life, “I love my life. I've had a great life." He meant, of course, the music. It was because of the music that he loved, that he lived...and died. “I want to play one last time," was his wish during his illness. A year later, Thomas brought out his trusted flute at the February 1, 1998 benefit concert in his hometown of Manchester, Connecticut. With his Trio, Mario Pavone and Michael Sarin, he played the beautiful ballad “Aeolus," throwing all his power and essence into it. At the end, he bowed, put his hat to his heart and gave the audience a sparkling smile. Two days later he was in the hospital. Ten days later he died. His last words were, “I'm at peace. Because of Sunday." He meant the benefit concert. He was able to play “one last time."
In gratitude for Thomas Chapin, a beautiful soul, and for all of you.
Wishing you all the Best,
Terri Castillo-Chapin
Akasha, Inc.
Dedicated to education through the preservation and
advancement of the Thomas Chapin Music Legacy
For more information contact All About Jazz.
