My Dreams of Thomas Chapin

On February 13th 1998 I lost a dear friend. Everything leading up to that date was nothing short of some of the greatest musical offerings in my life. Thomas Chapin was one of my favorite saxophone players and also a person who was there when I needed to talk or just when I was feeling to talk music. He grew up in the next town over from me. He was much older then I, but I used to see him at a restaurant on Thursdays, Fridays and sometime Saturdays. He would do two sets a night and he was great. My friend introduced me to him in the spring of 1993 and it was one of the best introductions ever. Thomas was a very modest man, but he was also a man who was always up for a conversation about anything. Music was my escape and he talked music with me forever. What I did not know until I graduated from the community college in 1996 was that my history professor was his babysitter growing up. When he showed up at the community college commencement to watch me graduate and say hello to her, I was quite honored. That is the same day he met my parents. My father, like Thomas had long hair. My father was growing it because of a mid-life crisis. Thomas grew it because of to be hip.

My father and mother and Thomas and another friend of mine watched me graduate from community college. Thomas and my father had great conversation about Jazz. They both shared the love of the Saxophone. My dad told me afterword that he would like to see Thomas perform a that restaurant I go to. He would perform at this restaurant like twenty weekends a year. Every time I see him I would walk out of there in a daze. I could not figure out how he did it. My father was so impressed that he wanted to pick up the Saxophone and play again. Thomas was very, very good at what he did. Over the time I knew him he would play the Knitting Factory in New York City. I would go down there. I would meet other cool musicians like Don Byron, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Bill Ware (vibraphone), Ron Miles, Tim Berne and basically the whole Knitting Factory scene. It was a great scene and it was always fun talking with these musicians at a personal level. We could talk music, food, gigs we saw or were at or just what is going on right now.



Over the years I think I saw Thomas live about hundred times. One day I went to New York to see him and he came up to me and had to tell me the bad news. He was dying. He had Leukemia and it was only a matter of time that he would lose his hair and his pony tail. It was a shock to me that at the age he was 39 at the time that he was struck with this horrible disease. It was a very inspirational concert. It was also the last time I would see him play publicly. He even told the crowd of this and we all gasp. Over the year that he had it he would come out and visit and meet me for lunch here or there. The long pony tail was now gone and he had a cap to cover the baldness on his head. He even told me that he no longer looked like my father, but like Isaac Hayes. We laughed and cried, and I talked to him like it might be his last conversation. He went through a lot.

One day I got a letter in the mail from him. It was not a normal letter, but something that resembled a invitation. I opened it up and saw that he was inviting me to be part of a concert in his honor at this small theater. The theater hold about 200 and he wanted me to help with people to invite, and music to be played. It was quite an honor to be a part of it. I quickly called him and told him "yes" I will be there. This all happened on the first of February, 1998. It was a great night I will never forget. I met people I never thought I meet. I heard music that was played with such passion that I never knew existed. It was a great time. Sadly I cried all the way home.



Thirteen days later, I was at his funeral. I did not speak, but I was there among all his friends and the people who knew me through Thomas. It was rough for a while. I mean I wish I could still see him play or just talk with him. He was such a great friend and musician. The music world is lost without him. He was a good guy.

So what prompted me to do this post. It was my Ipod's fault. When the random play stopped at Thomas Chapin it gave me a flashback of the time where I would go to New York to hear anything I wanted to. It was a time that I had a choice to see Jazz, Rock, Blues or anything I wanted. It was a time I would go see Thomas and have fun talking music or seeing some of his friends play and have a blast. "Chapin was a player of great generosity and authentic spirituality. He played with rare humor, passion, and intelligence. At the end of his life, he was just beginning to receive attention outside the realm of experimental jazz. Indeed, had he lived, it's not inconceivable that Chapin's amalgam of freedom and discipline might have become a force in the jazz mainstream." (AM) I always liked having fun with the musicians that I could look at like a normal person, but still have this high level of respect and in some circles were some of the best in their field. If you find this album make sure you send me a copy too. My copy is in bad shape and surprised that it actually played well on my Ipod. This is a great album and shows how much the New York Music scene was in the early to mid 90's. Have fun with this somewhat local gem who reached the Jazz world like no one can. I am sure you will like it as much as I do. Enjoy!

Larry's Live at the Village Gate!!!

If you asked me two years ago about Larry Coryell I would have told you two things. One thing I would tell you is "I really don't know much about him," and the other is, "in all seriousness what really should I be listening to." Then when I stumbled upon a blog that featured some of his early work. I did some background research and also asked my guitar friend who is an historian on great guitar players and albums that are great to listen to. He is the same friend who got me into such artist as Terje Rypdal, Leo Kottke, John Fahey, Chet Atkins, Bill Conners, Gary Lucas, and so many others, so why not ask him about Larry Coryell. He told me that there about five albums I should either listen to or pick up. He did not tell me where to start, but gave a clue to find a live album and I could not find an error in his advice to me.

I looked on of course "Allmusic" and the first one that caught my eye was Live at the Village Gate. I decided to take a chance on it. With only five songs I was wondering if I was going to be disappointed with it. I mean it was not a long album, but It had a Chick Corea song and a Jack Bruce song and most of all it was a power trio. I mean I love Cream, and Rush. So what could be different. I went to a blog and nicely downloaded it and quickly put it on my computer and made a copy for the car.



My friend who gave me the somewhat recommendation asked what album I decided to get. I told him about the copy I got and he told me that of all the albums he had of Larry Coryell that was the only one he did not have. I laughed because I figure he tell me all about how great this live album is and how underrated his guitar playing is and how the comparisons of Jimi Hendrix and Robin Trower were easily compared. He actually knew nothing about this album. He just asked if he can get himself a copy. I gave it to him and he was very happy. He told me after listening to it, thought that this was the best Larry Coryell that he ever heard.



When I found it on line through another blog I was very happy to get it, but to find a true physical copy was another story. I found a CD copy and LP copy, but as of writing this blog there are a few LP's around and the CD is out of print. The CD runs between $27.00 and $110.00. I could not believe I got this album for $20.00 for both the CD and LP. It strikes me funny that good music should remain in print and Larry Coryell is a fine example of that. His slick guitar sound has people back in the early 70's think that he was Hendrix and for good reason too. The trio is on point and make a bold statement for a great trio in any kind of rock setting. These licks that Larry are playing are not Jazz, but Rock with Blues and some funk.

I was happy I found more about him. I mean early in my musical adventures I would pass a man like this up. It was odd for me in certain part of my life if an artist had a long career and I just started listening to him I would not like the new stuff. I would ignore that stuff and possibly ignore his greater work. Larry is a great guitar player and has a wonderful approach to giving something way cooler then anything we know about. I would put him in the ranks of my favorites and with good reason too. If you find this gem, be sure to pass it a long to your friends. Enjoy!

The Yellow Banana Album

Sure it's the most obvious choice to make, but when your a thirteen year old boy looking through the library collection and spot this yellow banana on the front cover your curiosity is immediately drawn towards it. You look at the album and wonder what the hell is or what does it sound like. The age before the internet was about taking a risk on an album that you never heard and god knows you ask your friends. You bring it home and one friend does come over and look at you funny because you have an album with a banana on it. When you take the record out you notice that the album looks over played and has a lot of scratches on it. You hope to god it does not skip or is so unlistenable that it ruins your musical experience.

I had this album at thirteen and my friend and I had no idea what it was or could do to our brains. I mean I liked the Beatles and Led Zeppelin, but nothing prepared me for this. I even asked my father about this album and he too had no idea about it. I called my uncle and he told me that I might not like it and it was very Avant-garde for it's time. I grab my headphones just in case this music falls on the ears of disliking in the house or for that matter my friend hating it and leaving or any such events.



The first song my friend and I listened to and nothing really happened. It was quiet and harmless and did not sound to bad. Then we moved on to the second song and it got a little odd. It kept my interest, but my friend did not like it and told me we will play later. He left at just the right time and for safe reasons I put my headsets on. The second song was good and very interesting. I did not know the subject matter, but that was okay. The music was great. The third song was up next. It was somewhat pop sounding, but what the enticement was the female vocals. The first time I heard female so prominent in a song before. I liked the song so I played it again. The fourth song was full of noise and violin. First time I heard this too and I thought it was great. The full electric sound was I think louder then the Led Zeppelin that I was used to. Again, I played this track again. It was something that was in my head for a while because the Drums were beating like a heartbeat. There was no flair and it was not needed like the Beatles stuff or Zeppelin stuff. It worked so well. I was speechless when I heard it. At thirteen I had no idea what I got myself into.

The next song was very cool too and the feedback was heavy guitar was again like nothing I heard. It was stuck in my left ear for a while. Then it came to the last track on Side one. It was great, the female vocals where back and It was interesting to hear her voice with some interesting stuff going on behind her. I took a break on the album and went out to play. I went to my friend who left me after the first song and told him that he should come over and listen to side two. I think I made a mistake with that idea. Side Two opens up rather slow and if you don't pay attention then it makes no sense and what makes it worse is the loud violin The feedback was a tough listen at first, but I loved it. I wanted more and more by this point and once again my friend gave up. I kept on going. The next two songs were short and had a lot to say. It was fun to hear the female voice once again. The second to last song was full of violin and also some spoken word. It got louder and louder, but I liked it. The last song had great guitar parts and really cool bass lines. I again did not understand the words, but I was okay with that and all I wanted to hear was the music. It was really a different and the feedback and huge experimental sound was so cool. By the time I entered High School I loved the Velvet Underground so much it was always playing in my tape deck. Very few people could understand why I liked all this odd music. At one point in my High School life I was listening to King Crimson, Velvet Underground, Kronos Quartet and anything that did not even remotely sound normal.



My experience with Velvet Underground was a great one. It shaped the way I listen to music and what kind of music I listen to. I know it might be hip to hear this stuff now, but back before internet. It's an album that everybody should like, but then again it would be way to hip. Anyway, I love this album and it is a must listen for music geeks like myself. It has influenced many types of music and has for me gave a great introduction to the music I love. Enjoy!

Julian's Suicide!

When I was a first year student at my community college I was taking a class on Jazz. The friend of mine in front of me was a bit older then I was, but you could tell he was trying to educate his mind, but the teacher was making the class really boring. After class I approached him to ask him why is this teacher making the class like watching paint dry. He had no idea, but he told me that he was going to the library to get his own education on Jazz and not really pay attention to what the teacher was saying. I decided to follow along. He was telling me on the way to the library on campus that his band was playing the CMJ music festival in New York this coming weekend and wanted some help at the festival. The cost was no charge on my end as long as I could find a place to crash. He explained to me that he was going to see a bunch of cool shows and told me when he saw me at school the next day he would let me know his acts he wanted to see.

I went home and told my parents that I was going to New York this weekend to see my best friend. They were okay with that, the only thing is as long as I check in once in a while to let them know I was okay. Before cell phones, I would go from pay phone to pay phone to let them know I was fine. I once called from the CBGB's pay phone to tell them that I was all good and I had to quickly go so I can get a great place to stand to see The Ramones. I don't think they ever knew I was all over the city with my best friend seeing music. This time my best friend joined my classmate and friend to a lot of CMJ performances. On the list was Lucinda Williams which we did do and there is a blog post about my experience, and there was others that we wanted to see. I wanted to see Julian Cope. One of my friends at the record store told me I should check it out.



I did not honestly much about him, but if my friend at the record store spoke praises then I should take his recommendation. I went to New York with the list of things to do and see during CMJ. My friend from the community college was going to play a little place in the village on Saturday afternoon. The rest of the weekend was our own. Saturday night my best friend and I went to Roseland and decided to check out Julian Cope. There were other acts we could have seen, but we decided on this one. When I got into the show I saw my friend from the record store so happy to see me. He decided he needed to see this show. He explained that this man will put a lasting impression on me. He was very correct in his statement. Over the next two and half hours Julian Cope was a monster. He covered every kind of rock genre and then some. For going into his show cold with hearing only one song, I was very impressed.

He mostly played from his new album which I did not own. But after the show I had to pick it up. My friend who brought me down to this CMJ music festival was as much as in awe as I was. I really loved this stuff and was wondering why I was not exposed to this any sooner. Peggy Suicide was the new album and I really wanted to get it after the show. I picked it up and could not wait to listen to the studio versions of what I heard.



When I got home I picked up the CD and fell in love with it all over again. In class my friend who I helped out handed me a bunch of stuff from CMJ. He told me that I left it in his car and one of the CD's in the pile was an Island record sampler. He was quick to point out that the last track was a Julian Cope song that was not on the CD I bought, but a song he played at our show. Once again the smile was on my face. When I was back home I would go crazy listening to Peggy Suicide again. I realized that every song on the album was an absolute gem and to pick one or two would not work out. I would say this though that the two songs that stand out now are "Hanging Out and Hung Up on the Line" and "Drive She Said" are wonderful start to a great album. I play this album over and over and still don't get tired of it. I also think what Julian Cope is thinking. Not only is he a great musician, but he also is a musical historian with a lot of respect. His book on Krautrock is very good.

So if you are looking for an album that defies any notion of normal music, and does a good job to stretch your brain then this is the album for you. It's not slouch and at near eighty minutes it will reward you with repeated listens. Have fun and of course enjoy! Peggy Suicide rocks!

Van Dyke's Cycle

After a four year or so break from getting my associates to getting my bachelors I decided I needed to get that bachelors. If I did not then It would not make any sense to me to be employable in the work force or for that matter for me to actually make something of myself. In the future. I wanted to continue being a smart, well educated person who had a great job I at least wanted to have the Bachelors of arts to springboard me to future heights. Little did I know that with the four year degree, a few years down the line that the great job would betray me and kick me in the ass. In the years getting that Bachelors I think I got some very good education in music, film, art and all the other disciplines that I was not very good at. I also got an education on life lessons and also learned to get new friends and people who continue to influence me and help me grow. The people don't need names, but I thank them everyday for being there through my tough times and my fun times.

When I was back at school I want to know more then I had already known about music. I went to the campus radio station to be with people who share the same interest in me. That interest of the love of music. Some people had great passion of wonderful great music and others had very little passion on the music that seemed important. They liked music, but not the stuff that engaged me from the time of my 13th birthday till the time I was was 27 when I did go back to college. I also will admit that some of the music I listened to needed more buffing up and the music I knew little or nothing about needed to be learned. I purposely went to the station for that education and also to the library and to the local and only devoted record store.



One day in my dorm I was going through my LP's. I wanted to see what I had to listen to and what I should focus on if I was up to do a radio show in the future. I had a knock at the door that afternoon. It was a new friend who's love of music was about the same as mine. He never saw my collection till this day, but he wanted to express his curiosity to see what I had. I was just looking at what had so I did not have to repeat something that the station had. Then this new friend stumbled upon my near mint copy of Pet Sounds. His wonder and astonishment was fixed on this item. He asked how I got a great copy of this album. I told him I just picked it up at the used record store I go to for dirt cheap. Then I asked the inquiry about Van Dyke Parks. I knew very little about him. I knew about his Brian Wilson collaboration, but that's all I knew.

He looked at me with a blank stare. I was serious and he being a Beach Boy fan he told me about his first album. The album is called Song Cycle and is log out of print and is wonderful and should be picked up. It's full of rich music and very diverse influence and should be heard. It's full of Americana and is to be one of the most expensive albums made at the time.

"Though his debut was largely snubbed by record buyers, Parks – whose ambivalence about his solo career nearly matched his ambitions in that regard – wouldn’t allow himself to be derailed outright. He poured considerable effort into nurturing the careers of other artists in the wake of his experience with Song Cycle, connecting worthy talents of his acquaintance with recording opportunities and eventually moving in-house at Warners to head the label’s newly conceived Audio-Visual Services department." (33 1/3 Blogspot)




With that being said, I got a present one day from my friend. He found one of the songs on file sharing program and put to a CD with other musical gems. Immediately I was transfixed on this song. The song "Donovan's Colours" is full of wonderful joy! It should be heard. I hope you can find the time to find something that is not part of any Psychedelic Rock or mainstream from the 60's, but something that just worth a very good listen and as much as it was a shock when I first heard it. If you mention this album in music circles you will be praised for your wonderful knowledge of something quite unique. Enjoy!!

Thanks You

Hi everybody! New post will be coming this weekend. Been a bit busy with stuff and working on ideas to make the albums I chose a bit more exciting. Still doing the one album one artist thing. Thanks for being patient and will have a few up by the end of the weekend.

Slint Saved My Life

Though largely overlooked during their relatively brief lifespan, Slint grew to become one of the most influential and far-reaching bands to emerge from the American underground rock community of the 1980s; innovative and iconoclastic, the group's deft, extremist manipulations of volume, tempo, and structure cast them as clear progenitors of the post-rock movement which blossomed during the following decade.(AM) People tell me that I am a wealth of musical knowledge, but this one I was behind the curve on. I regret not picking up on this till 1995 or so when one of the songs was featured on the soundtrack to the movie KIDS. Even then I would hear this on the radio and try to figure out what was going on. I picked up the album used and confessed to the guy at the register that I have never heard it, but hearing some of the music on the radio station I listen to.

Slint may only have an album and an EP to their credit, but the effects what they did for music are so important that some bands we listen to now and take for granted. Every time I hear the album it still sends shivers down my spine how it quietly and effectively destroyed everything we knew about how to make an interesting album. It did need solo's from guitars or heavy drums to sound great, it just did it on it's own. Slint broke down barriers that we thought never existed and destroyed everything we knew about music or ideas on how music should be done.



I remember buying the CD having no idea what to expect except the one song I heard and I knew that I liked it. The friend of mine who worked the record store I went to frequently told me how much he loved it. He even told me he wanted to create a band just like that. Once I bought it he quickly opened the CD and put it in the CD player and played it.



The irregularity of its hypnotic melodies, fractured beats, and mismatched lyrics demand a new kind of appreciation, independent of traditional notions of songcraft. With its half-mumbled, half-hollered vocals, deliberate percussion, and drone-gone-aggressive guitars, Spiderland 's urgency is almost traumatic to swallow: despondency never tasted so real. The record's reputation can at times seem more ubiquitous than its songs, name-checked by impish upstarts with a kind of glib, dismissive familiarity. In truth, Spiderland 's influence is far more thorny and convoluted than its pat spoken legacy could ever convey. Turn up the volume and get out of its way. (pitchfork)

Slint is a must listen. I take great pride telling people that this an album that saved me from all the crap that was out there. At the time of the first listen of Spiderland I could have listened to other things that would have been a fad or questioned years from then and to now. Slint is great. Enjoy as much as I do and remember to play it loud. Enjoy!