Thomas Chapin

I am ashamed to admit that I have only just come across the work of Thomas Chapin. I presume some of you guys must have known him. What a wonderful player and what a tragic early death. Any thoughts about him would be very appreciated. I have been enjoying Menagerie Dreams and Sky Piece and checked the Penguin Guide for more information. I see that there is an 8CD box called Alive. Has anybody heard this? The Guide suggests that it covers most of the important stuff that Chapin did. I am still contemplating the Marsalis Box is this one worth the cover charge? Cheers Richard Gardner