Peter Baron Quintet “The Ring and the Scapular”

“The Ring and The Scapular” is the latest project by Piotr Baron, premiered during the 60th edition of the Jazz on the Oder Festival in 2025. The extensive jazz suite is a continuation of the spiritual inspirations present on the artist's previous albums, such as “Bogrodzica”, “Salve Regina”, “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus” and “Kaddish”.

In “The Ring and The Scapular,” Baron combines modern jazz and casual improvisation with a readable harmonic structure. The eponymous “ring” and “scapular” refer to the ideas of covenant, memory and faith that organize the dramaturgy of the entire concert. The music of the quintet leads the listener through spaces of contemplation and concentration, referring to the current of jazz represented by John Coltrane. In addition to extensive compositional themes, the program includes open improvised parts, instrument dialogues and dynamic climaxes.

Piotr Baron — tenor saxophonist, bass clarinetist, composer and educator, present on the Polish jazz scene for decades. In his work he develops the current of jazz inspired by spirituality. He has collaborated with many Polish and foreign musicians, performed at festivals in Europe and the USA, and as an educator educates subsequent generations of musicians. His original albums are a constant element of the canon of contemporary jazz.

Robert Majewski — trumpeter and flugelhorn player, appreciated for his sound and musical culture, for years co-creating projects of the domestic scene. His playing combines classic jazz narrative with modern harmonic sensibility. In a duet with Baron's saxophone, he creates spacious dialogues that form one of the foundations of this quintet's sound.

Michał Tokaj — pianist and composer with an expressive language of improvisation. Winner of many awards, collaborating with the leading Polish and European jazz. His game is distinguished by harmonic richness and the ability to build mood by saving resources. Tokaja's piano ties together the band's narrative, leading it from meditative parts to dynamic climaxes.

Maciej Adamczak — double bass player and bass guitarist, regularly participating in projects of the Polish jazz and entertainment scene. His playing combines rhythmic precision with freedom and natural feeling, which gives the rhythm section of the quintet stability and flexibility.

Łukasz Żyta — a drummer belonging to the group of the most respected jazz musicians of his generation. He collaborated with many artists of the Polish and European improvised scene, gaining recognition thanks to the dynamism and sensitivity to the sound of the entire composition. In the team he builds the dramaturgy of the songs and reacts to the nuances of the improvisation of the partners on an ongoing basis.