Rising star of Dutch jazz expresses her inner world with dynamic trumpet playing.
Suzan Veneman and her favourite band, her sextet, have made huge steps in their development. Their new album The Art of Letting Go showcases the fluent interplay of the three horn players.
Their colourful harmonies are embedded in the layered sounds of the rhythm section. With her compositions for the album, Suzan Veneman interprets the process of letting go, of working your way through the darkness to ultimately reach the light.
Trumpet player Suzan Veneman has quickly established herself with her soulful and energetic sound. After finishing her studies in the United States she has been fulfilling her role not only as a talented musician, but also as a promising composer and arranger.
With her adventurous compositions, she has earned international acclaim. In recent years, for example, she has been invited by renowned trumpet player and composer Dave Douglas to write music for his Festival of New Trumpet Music.
This album is about diving deep into my own (subcontious) Self to find what is truly ‘me’. It is about the journey home, through darkness into light; letting go of all that no longer serves me on my road to growth and (inner) freedom. I found inspiration to write music about the recovery from a dark chapter in my life. To take the experiences and emotions and transform them into musical compositions. Each song covers an element of that story and the process of letting go. I hope that it touches the listener and that it can serve as an invitation to look inside and see what’s there (in the shadows),- an interview with us said Suzan Veneman.
Suzan Veneman Sextet’s album The Art of Letting Go is praised as moving, heartfelt, stormy, loving, and authentic, showcasing Veneman’s original compositions and arrangements.
One track, “Balancing Act”, is noted for its “Westcoast sunny groovy vibe”.
Critical Reception: Authenticity and Emotion: According to ZenneZ Records, the album’s label, the release contains “original repertoire that is moving, heartfelt, stormy, loving, and authentic”.
The album is described by Veneman herself as “a promise to myself and the world to keep growing, blooming, joking, dancing, crying and loving in all my human imperfection”.
Composition and Arrangement: Besides her trumpet playing, Veneman is recognized for her standout work as a composer and arranger on the album.
Track Highlights: The focus track “Balancing Act” is described as having a “Westcoast sunny groovy vibe” that “Feels like surfing on high waves!”. Another single, “Promise Me”, is a ballad that “beautifully captures the ripening of this story that ends in a striking high point at the piano solo”.
Sound: The album offers an energetic, soulful, and emotionally charged sound, with a focus on the expressive role of the wind instruments.
In her sextet she plays with top players from contemporary Dutch jazz.
We highly recommend owning this CD and enjoying it during the upcoming holidays as well. By the way, you can purchase the CD right here, below.
1. Shadow Self (8:17)
2. The Longest Night (9:08)
3. Shadows (1:25)
4. Cling (10:20)
5. Promise Me (6:40)
6. Dreams and Wishes (8:44)
7. More Shadows (1:01)
8. Lament & Consolation (7:35)
9. Balancing Act (6:06)
10. The Art of Letting Go (9:49)
11. Shadow Self (Single Edit) (6:50)
12. Promise Me (Single Edit) (5:48)
Suzan Veneman, flugelhorn
Jasper van Damme, soprano saxophone
Vincent Veneman, trombone
Timothy Banchet, piano
Tijs Klaassen, double bass
Wouter Kühne, drums
