REGINALD CHAPMAN'S CHAPHOUSE
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Reginald Chapman’s Chaphouse brings its Brooklyn-based octet to Barbès, led by trombonist and composer Chapman. The group features Ryan Easter on trumpet, Lomar Brown on alto sax, Victor Solano on tenor sax, I’vré Cooper on trombone, Roella Oloro on keys, Ben Ferrell on bass, and Curtis McPhatter on drums. Expect layered horn arrangements that open into collective improvisation, with originals and reimagined songs treated as material for the band’s onstage conversation. Melodies circulate through the ensemble, and solos grow from the rhythmic pocket, so each performance takes its own route.
Chapman is currently based in Brooklyn, with roots in Richmond, Virginia, and Champaign, Illinois. His work brings jazz tradition into contact with hip-hop production, gospel harmony, experimental electronic music, and brass-band energy. He holds a doctorate in jazz and a cognate in modern classical composition, grounding the music in study while keeping its focus on groove and discovery. Chaphouse is the central octet for this approach: a band that preserves classic material, engages the present, and uses ensemble interplay to push songs beyond fixed forms.
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.