Clément Dodray Quintet

During Autumn-Winter 2020-21, Clément Dodray immersed himself in writing a number of compositions for his new Quintet. For this project, he brought together musicians of all ages and backgrounds. He drew his inspiration from the post-bop jazz of the 60s (Joe Henderson, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter), as well as from their more contemporary successors (Kenny Garrett, Plume).

Added to this are modern groove and Caribbean touches, with harmonic colors and asymmetrical meters (inspired by musicians such as Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Céline Bonacina).

Far from being a patchwork of multiple inspirations, Clément Dodray's music is at once original, innovative and rooted in tradition. All at the service of a resolutely personal musical expression. It is at once demanding, with harmonic and rhythmic subtleties, but without appearing to be so. All the while remaining accessible and deeply committed to melody.

Their debut album, A New Step, was recorded at Studio du Regard in July 2022, and released on the Pousse Pousse Production label in October 2023.