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| Thomas Chapin Film Project Releases New Trailer Thomas Chapin Film Project - November, 2013 - EMMY Award-winning filmmaker Stephanie J. Castillo's effort to make a documentary film about the late sax and flute man Thomas Chapin gets a boost with a new trailer that shows off her high-definition footage and precious archival footage from Chapin's short but remarkable career. "In sneak previews, this 7-minute trailer flies by and WOW's! It channels the Thomas Chapin story in an exciting time-capsule that is full of energy and archival footage that brings him to life, " says Castillo. She started the project back in March 2012. With $51, 552 successfully raised at Kickstarter.com in March 2013, Castillo was able to launch her filming of the documentary in July. The new trailer shows off several of the 20 interviews she did with those who knew him best. She captured them on high definition video during shoots in Connecticut and New York City. A round-two of shooting involving more interviews and locations is needed next, she says, and hopes to accomplish this next spring. The new trailer also includes some of the large inventory of archival performances during Chapin's heyday in the 80's and 90's that she has been gathering with help of fellow musicians and Thomas's promoters. View the new trailer at http://youtu.be/0rS3Vuuzn8s About Chapin A brilliant bandleader, composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his energetic and virtuosic playing of alto sax, flute and many other instruments, Chapin died in 1998 after battling leukemia for a year just as he was gaining wider recognition for his original style and his natural ability to play to both straight-ahead jazz audiences and adventurous avant jazz fans. This quality of crossing over, rare in jazz during the 80's and 90's, was what made him a stand out in his day, not to mention his spirited, colorful persona and energetic presence that never failed to draw many to him on stage and off. At the time of his illness, Chapin and his trio were already drawing the interest of major record labels with their SKYPIECE CD. Chapin felt sure this CD was perfect for solidifying the trio's entry into the jazz mainstream. "The plane was just gaining altitude" is how Chapin's bassist Mario Pavone speaks of the ironic convergence of illness and the expected success of SKYPIECE which critics today say could have catapulted Chapin and his music into a trajectory of greater fame. Moving forward, new donors needed All donations and funding sponsorships are welcomed, big and small. Tax-deductible donations are being received by Akasha Inc., a nonprofit organization furthering music education and the musical legacy of Thomas Chapin. Go to www.thomaschapin.com/donate to donate with a credit card. Checks or U.S. money orders should be made out to "Akasha Inc." Send to: Akasha Inc., P. O. Box 721032, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 USA Castillo intends to use this new fundraising tool to attract art funders, corporate sponsors and new donors in her efforts to keep the project's momentum going. She is aiming to tell Chapin's story in a feature-length documentary slated to finish by early 2015. "The film will help fill the music and memory gap for the world. I am doing this because I truly believe Thomas's music remains timeless and his unique, unforgettable spirit is worth knowing, " says the filmmaker. Major fundraising concert at City Winery in Manhattan, January 20, 2014 Impresario and music promoter Michael Dorf is organizing a jazz concert and fundraiser to benefit the film at his City Winery restaurant and music venue on January 20, 2014. Dorf was the big giver at the film's fundraising campaign at Kickstarter, backing it with $10, 000. The fundraiser will headline John Zorn, Mario Pavone, Joe Lovano, Ned Rothenberg, Marty Ehrlich, Mike Blake, Roy Nathanson and many more to be announced. The trailer and other samples from the July film shoots will be previewed that night. "Michael, who was the first to promote Thomas at the old Knitting Factory in downtown NYC, is determined to help move this film project forward. I can't thank him enough!" says Castillo. write your comments about the article :: © 2013 Jazz News :: home page |