As part of a German-Polish collaboration, the Polish trio AJAKS will join forces with Tara Sarter and Fridolin Krön from the Leipzig and Weimar music scenes. AJAKS brings its own musical perspective to the table—but on this “first date,” it remains to be seen where this initial encounter on stage will lead.

For many years now, “First Dates” have been a staple of the “ Leipziger Jazztage.” These events bring together musicians from different scenes, generations, and countries for the first time. An encounter that, through its uniqueness, represents a nimble juggling act with the pillars of contemporary jazz: spontaneity, openness, listening, responding, and letting go.

Two “First Dates” events will take place this year as part of a German-Polish collaboration. For decades, Poland has been known for its outstanding jazz musicians and its vibrant scene, which has evolved from the country’s unique history.

AJAKS’s three longtime colleagues have also been active in Polish jazz circles for many years. After working on larger projects, they are now exploring the theme of “Fatherhood” as a trio. Shaped by their fathers—Marek Pospieszalski by his father Mateusz, an influential saxophonist and producer, and Qba Janicki by the legendary Club Mózg, which his father helped shape in the 1990s as the center of the “Yass” movement—they now find themselves in this role. Their music translates the experience of fatherhood into sounds full of tenderness and tension, shaped by the warmth of acoustic instruments and the overwhelming power of this new phase of life.

That evening, AJAKS will perform alongside Tara Sarter and Fridolin Krön, who are also close friends from the Leipzig and Weimar scenes. In Krön’s quartet, unfolding/elusive, they explore the contrasts between organic and synthetic sound sources using saxophone, vocals, electric guitar, and effects. Thanks to their sensitivity and willingness to surprise, they rank among the region’s most exciting improvisers.