Vibes of the Caribbean: Capturing the Essence of Dutch-Speaking Music

Curated Playlist: Harmonizing the Caribbean with Randal Corsen šŸŽ¹šŸŽ¶

Central Artist: Randal Corsen

Description: This arranged playlist captures the essence of the music of the Dutch-speaking Caribbean, through a greatly praised Dutch pianist, composer, and arranger, Randal Corsen. Corsen was born in CuraƧao, where he is recognized for his contribution to Caribbean music through his fusion of jazz with Antillean and Latin-American classical music. Corsen is also the great-grandson of the CuraƧao poet and composer Joseph Sickman Corsen, from which he draws inspiration. The pieces presented in this playlist reflect Corsen's influence through his roles in music direction, collaborations, band membership, and musical inspirations.

Playlist:

First up on this playlist is a live performance of Mi Djegedjege by our central artist, Randal Corsen, featuring two other performers, Jorge Reyes, and Ruly Herrera. This performance took place at Cafe Miramar in Miramar Habana, Cuba. In this video, Corsen is seen playing the piano, Reyes is on the double bass, and Herrera is on the drums. Corsen's piano playing blends his jazz expertise with the lively rhythms and melodies of Caribbean culture, leaving listeners with positive connotations.

Coming up next is Asin'e K'onan Ta by Dibo D, an Antillean songwriter and singer, featuring Reshine. In this music video, Dibo D perfectly showcases the culture of CuraƧao. Listening to this piece you can hear the lively rhythms, syncopated beats, and Antillean-inspired melodies. This song is linked to Corsen due to their collaborations and Dibo D's membership in Corsen’s 16-piece band (Habibe, 2019). Corsen’s band was called the Randal Corsen Orchestra, and in November 2017, they released their first single, Henter AƱa Den Parranda (Habibe, 2019).

Next is a live performance of part of the Diaspora Suite album at the North Sea Jazz Festival by The Metropole Orkest, a jazz and pop orchestra based in the Netherlands. This piece Abasi Isang was composed by Camilla George and arranged by Vladimir Nikolov. In this music video, you can see the strings, brass, woodwind, and keyboard instruments that fuse together to create this masterpiece. This music piece is related to Corsen due to his position as the musical director and soloist for the Metropole Orchestra (Paradise Jazz Festival, 2024). Furthermore, Corsen has also arranged many pieces for the Metropole Orkest's Antillean music projects.

Up next on this playlist is Mi Pais by Izaline Calister, a well-known singer from CuraƧao. The scenery in this music video, along with the culturally infused vocals, beautifully captures the essence of CuraƧao's culture. This song is linked to Corsen due to their multiple collaborations on traditional CuraƧaoan music. Corsen has also produced and arranged music for Calister’s album Kanta HĆ©lele. Together, Corsen and Calister's combination of music styles highlight the rich musical heritage of their shared culture.

Upcoming, is Jean-Jacques Rojer’s AdiĆ³s Querida, which was composed by his great-grandfather, Jacobo Palm and sung by Kris Berry. Rojer is a jazz guitarist and composer from CuraƧao. In this music video, pictures of CuraƧao musicians are showcased throughout the video. The combination of Berry’s voice with this composition provides a beautifully curated song. This song is connected to Corsen due to his strong musical influence on Rojer and their collaboration on the album RaĆ­s. Corsen's contemporary approach to incorporating Afro-Caribbean rhythms and melodies into jazz has inspired Rojer to explore similar fusions in his own work.

Next on this playlist is Plena Plus by Pernell Saturnino, played on handmade congas. Saturnino is a percussionist and composer from CuraƧao who has worked extensively in the jazz and world music genres. In this video Saturnino is seen playing the congas skilfully, providing exciting and vibrant music. This musical piece is interconnected to Corsen due to previous collaborations and musical influence. These collaborations have allowed Saturnino to draw on Corsen’s expertise in jazz piano and Caribbean music to create his own captivating Caribbean compositions with percussion instruments.

Last on this playlist is Simpatia composed by Corsen’s great-grandfather, Joseph Sickman Corsen, and is performed by himself.  Joseph Corsen was a poet and composer from CuraƧao in the 19th century. In this video, the Antillean waltz is beautifully played by Corsen, on the Queen Emma Bridge, Willemstad, CuraƧao. This piece provides a beautiful blend of lively and elegant music. This composition is connected to the central artist by J.S. Corsen's strong musical influence on his music career.  Corsen was so inspired by Joseph’s compositions from the 19th century he recorded and performed them under the album Corsen Plays Corsen (BV, n.d.).



Bibliography

BV, N. A. I. (n.d.). Corsen plays Corsen by Randal Corsen. Challenge Records International. https://www.challengerecords.com/products/1166022849310/Corsen%20Plays%20Corsen

Dibo D & Randal Corsen – Muzik sin barera (EP - Download WAV). ZenneZ Records. (n.d.). https://www.zennezrecords.com/shop/dibo-d-randal-corsen-muzik-sin-barera-ep-download-wav

Gangelhoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2019). Tour de force: A musical journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean.

Habibe, A. (2019, May). Influencer Randal Corsen: Passionate and dedicated. Share2Uplift. https://share2uplift.org/influencer-randal-corsen-passionate-and-dedicated/





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