Vernon Chatlein is a composer and a musician of many colours. Originating from Curaçao, he lived in Cuba for two years, studying music there. He moved to the Netherlands in 2009 to study with the godfather of Curaçaoan jazz, pianist Randal Corsen.
On his debut album Peace, Love & Music (2017), Vernon connected jazz and latin jazz with the rhythms of the Antilles. He has played with many bands and projects since, including a number of theater productions. Vernon Chatlein’s new work has evolved from the research project that he embarked upon while staying in Curaçao during the pandemic. His exploration of an old sound archive called Zikinza led him through the history of Afro-Curaçaoan music, and taught him about its contributors and pioneers. As a first result in 2021, he brought Voices from Letters: Imershón to the stage, a theatrical ode to his ancestors. Chatlein i su Zumbi is the next step, fueled by the mysterious musical style called Muzik di Zumbi. Expect a blend of traditional percussion from Curaçao, embedded in chamber music with elements of jazz.
