Saturday, August 9th, 2025, 8:00 PM – Musicians Corner.
Carolien Schönfeld talks with trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Suzan Veneman. Veneman has led her own sextet since 2019. Her debut album, Migrations of the Mind, was released in 2022, featuring two pieces. The rest of the playlist features music of her choosing. Suzan Veneman began playing in a brass band at a young age, which not only provided her with instrumental training but also taught her to play ensembles. Through her father, a conductor, she developed an ear for larger ensembles early on. She studied in the Netherlands and the United States. In the US, trumpeter Joe Magnarelli was one of her teachers.
1 Freddie Hubbard – Thermo “The Body & The Soul” is the album title (1963). Trumpeter Hubbard is part of a first-class lineup: Eric Dolphy, Reggie Workman, Joe Jones, Cedar Walton, Curtis Fuller, and Clark Terry, to name just a few. Arrangements and conducting: a surprising Wayne Shorter! The result now holds a unique position in Hubbard’s impressive discography. In the piece “Thermo,” sparks fly dancing from his trumpet.
2 Kenny Kirkland – Chance “Kenny Kirkland” is the title of the 1991 CD. It features compositions by Bud Powell, Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, and Wayne Shorter. Chance, a trio with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, is a creation of pianist Kirkland.
3 Suzan Veneman – The Cliché The piece is on the album “Migrations of the Mind”—a sextet arrangement. A captivating theme by Veneman, showcased in unison by trumpet and sax, with some subtle moments of two-part harmony. Hard-swinging hard bop. Inescapable energy.
4 Michael Brecker – I Can See Your Dreams Saxophonist Michael Brecker’s album Nearness of You: The Ballad Book (2001) also features a top-notch lineup: Herbie Hancock (piano), Pat Metheny (guitar), Charlie Haden (bass), and drummer Jack DeJohnette.
5 Suzan Veneman – Not Myself The piece originated “…in a somewhat difficult period…” (S.V.). Slow tempo, initially meditative atmosphere. Adventurous theme, with more two-part harmony in the wind section than in The Cliché. Just after the middle, there’s a moment of change. The energy level rises. Surprising twists and turns. Do you hear a distinctive timbre? That’s an “electronic wind instrument,” woven into the texture.
6 Al Jarreau – Fly Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard – who opened this playlist – is featured here soloing on a piece from the album All Fly Home (1978). Voice artist Al Jarreau is truly his unique self here, with a funky, “Brazilian” accompaniment. You can hear the sung sound “Flyyyy…” soaring into the air.
7 Larry Goldings – Bob James A trio led by keyboardist Larry Goldings performs the relaxed song “Bob James.” (Album Better).
8 Joe Magnarelli – In Balance What’s more beautiful than a trumpet? That’s right: two trumpets. You can hear that on the CD Swana-Magnarelli Philly-New York Junction (1998), a production of the Criss Cross Jazz label. (Producer Gerry Teekens, engineer Max Bolleman.) Trumpeters Joe Magnarelli – with whom Veneman studied in the US – and John Swana are surrounded by tenorist Eric Alexander, pianist Joel Weiskopf, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Kenny Washington. A swinging closer, stylistically related to Suzan Veneman’s The Cliché (number 3 on this playlist).
In a conversation with a fascinating musician like Suzan Veneman, you’d love to hear something about the motives behind her choices. Why this album, this piece by this musician? Mention characteristic features, point out a few details. Her own work doesn’t come across well verbally either. But… this is more than compensated for by the quality of the chosen music!
Musicians Corner – Carolien Schönfeld
