Vernon Chatlein

Learned from the best

Curaçao percussionist and composer Vernon Chatlein got his first taste of jazz and Latin Jazz while listening to none other than American jazz, salsa and mambo musician Tito Puente and his 1992 seminal album Live at the Village Gate. The young musician was immediately attracted by the excellent interpretation of improvised Latin dance rhythms by the Golden Latin Jazz All Stars.

Encouraged by his father, he took percussion lessons in Curaçao, after which he studied music in Cuba. There he became acquainted with the batá, the drum used in Santería (Afro-Cuban) ceremonies. In 2009 he moved to the Netherlands and chose to study in Amsterdam, under the wing of pianist and fellow Curaçaoan Randal Corsen. Having played on Corsen’s Symbiosis album and following in his footsteps, Chatlein recorded his debut album 'Peace, Love & Music'. He could not have chosen a better title for his ode to Curaçao, Cuba and Amsterdam, the three places where he found a home and was formed musically. 

International cross-pollinations

Chatlein seeks cross-pollination and celebrates differences, because they can lead to new ways and musical forms. The culture and music of his beloved Curaçao often form the basis for his musical journey. With his most recent project 'Voices from Letters' he explores the cultural and musical heritage of the island and brings it to the attention of the public on the island itself, in the Netherlands and beyond. In addition to his own projects, Chatlein performs with the afrobeat inspired band Koffie, Vanta and with the celebrated theater company Orkater. 

Discover more!

Get to know more about Vernon by checking out the Meeting Music with Chatlein or by taking a look behind the scenes in the Music Meeting Exposed with Vernon Chatlein and Tony Roe.