Five years after the release of his critically acclaimed and Fryderyk Award-winning debut Masovian Mantra, double bassist, composer and producer Michał Barański returns with a brand new project – the album No Return No Karma.
This record fully showcases Barański’s artistic maturity, openness to intercultural dialogue, and his fearless approach to crossing stylistic boundaries.
No Return No Karma reflects the questions that accompanied the artist throughout the creative process, as well as the irreversible changes taking place in both the world and music itself. It’s an album that defies simple classification and stands as a manifesto of Michał Barański’s artistic freedom.
The record unfolds as a multi-layered musical story, where jazz meets Indian rhythmic mathematics, European sensibility, and subtle yet deeply rooted references to Polish folk music. Barański has created compositions that pulse with rhythmic energy and the freedom of improvisation, while also offering a reflection on the modern world – its constant change and cultural diversity.
The foundation of the project is formed by musicians who regularly collaborate with Barański: Shachar Elnatan (guitar, oud), Michał Tokaj (piano, synthesizers), and Łukasz Żyta (drums). Together, this quartet forms the core of No Return No Karma – a cohesive and inspiring musical laboratory.
Adding to this rich soundscape are a group of remarkable guest artists, each bringing their own sensitivity and unique perspective: Aga Zaryan, Kuba Badach, and Michał Rudaś contribute distinctive vocal colours; Tomasz Dąbrowski adds the sound of trumpet rooted in the Scandinavian tradition; and Bodek Janke, master of tabla and konnakol, opens the door to trance-like rhythmic exploration.
The album was recorded in February 2025 at Studio S-4 of Polish Radio in Warsaw. The recording engineers were Michał Kupicz and Jeremiasz Hendzel, with Piotr Taraszkiewicz handling the mixing and mastering. Barański also created a Dolby Atmos / Spatial Audio version of the album. A 200-gram vinyl edition is also available.
The album’s media patron is Jazz Forum Magazine.
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