Arnaud Dolmen feat. Leonardo Montana

Award-Winning Jazz Drummer Arnaud Dolmen Brings Wayne Shorter’s “Joy Ryder” to New Heights with First U.S. Single Release

On November 8th, French drummer and composer Arnaud Dolmen unveils his first-ever U.S. single—a soul-stirring, modern reinterpretation of “Joy Ryder” by the legendary Wayne Shorter. Dolmen, winner of the coveted Victoire du Jazz, collaborates with Brazilian piano virtuoso Leonardo Montana to reimagine Shorter’s masterpiece, paying homage to its roots while exploring new creative freedoms. “Joy Ryder” (available 11/8) is an unreleased track from the outstanding duo’s critically acclaimed album LéNo.

“Wayne Shorter is one of the greatest jazz musicians we’ve ever had”, Dolmen applauds adding, “and for me personally, he stands out especially as one of the greatest composers.” To honor this American Jazz great, Dolmen explains, “I chose “Joy Ryder” with Leonardo Montana because this piece perfectly captures the balance between freedom and structural constraints. It’s truly fascinating and a great example of what I want to accomplish with my music”

Infused with a raw, pulsating modern groove, this rendition of “Joy Ryder” comes alive with vibrant improvisations that captivate and challenge listeners. Dolmen and Montana bring Shorter’s work into a new era, capturing the very essence of jazz as both an enduring tradition and a canvas for endless innovation. In the liner notes, David Koperhant of TSF Jazz and Jazz News called it, “More than a tribute, it’s an original and virtuoso ‘remix’ that shows how deserving Arnaud Dolmen and Leonardo Montana are of standing on the giant’s shoulders!”

Dolmen’s nuanced drumming style, enriched by years of study under jazz and gwoka greats, combined with Montana’s expressive piano lines, makes this single an essential listen—one that speaks to the genre’s past, present, and future. This U.S. debut single, a labor of passion and precision, reflects Dolmen’s evolution as an artist committed to exploring jazz’s infinite possibilities.

About Arnaud Dolmen
Multi-award-winning drummer and composer Arnaud Dolmen has crafted an exemplary career, marked by collaborations with some of jazz’s most respected figures, critical acclaim from leading jazz publications, and an unrelenting drive to innovate. Hailing from Guadeloupe and now based in Paris, France, Dolmen is known for his unique fusion of gwoka rhythms and contemporary jazz.

Dolmen began studying drum ka at age five, later training under the renowned Georges Troupé at Atelier Marcel Lollia and performing with the Kimbòl Youth Orchestra. A graduate of the Dante Agostini drum school in Toulouse, Dolmen launched his professional career alongside celebrated Caribbean groups such as Soft, Franck Nicolas, and Dédé Saint-Prix. Between 2006 and 2015, he co-led several remarkable bands, including Zetliyo, FDH Trio, and Nonoexperiment. He has since performed globally with acclaimed artists such as Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Bojan Z, Olivier Ker Ourio, Alfredo Rodriguez, Mario Canonge, Naïssam Jalal, Laurent de Wilde, David Linx, Samy Thiébault, and Jonathan Jurion.

Dolmen’s critically acclaimed albums Tonbé Lévé, Adjusting, and LéNo showcase his innovative artistry. Dolmen won the Les Victoires du Jazz 2022 award as Revelation of the Year and has been nominated for Les Victoires du Jazz 2024 as “Instrumental Artist” and for L’Académie du Jazz 2023’s “Prix Django Reinhardt.”

Also a composer for film, Dolmen has created soundtracks for Amandine Gay’s Une Histoire à Soi and Franck Salin’s Camarade Jean. As an advocate for jazz education, Dolmen appeared in Netflix’s The Eddy and contributed to Jazz(s) à la Philharmonie, a film on French jazz by Mathieu Moon Saura and Priscilla Telmon, aired on ARTE Concert.

arnauddolmen.com
https://www.youtube.com/@arnauddolmen

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