Blue Earth Sound — Cicero Nights
Adding to the rich lineage of Chicago’s experimental jazz and instrumental music, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and composer James Weir steps into the spotlight with the debut of his new project, Blue Earth Sound. 'Cicero Nights' is out now via Root Records, featuring eight immersive tracks that evoke everything from neon-lit city nights to serene sunlit strolls – all through the lens of cinematic, organic instrumentals.
The record was shaped at the International Anthem warehouse with in-house engineer Dave Vettraino, following a period of soul-searching for Weir. Previously known for his work as bassist in post-punk outfit NE-HI and synth-rock band Spun Out, Weir sought a new creative outlet that could reflect his evolving tastes and life experiences. Drawing inspiration from 70s Chicago jazz and soul, Talk Talk, Japanese jazz, and Italian soundtrack composers such as Stefano Torossi, he began laying the groundwork for what would become Cicero Nights.
Weir’s journey started in his Humboldt Park basement, where buying a piano led to unexpected chemistry with his neighbor and drummer Patch Romanowski. Those intimate sessions birthed the early sketches of the album, including lead single 'Mariposa', a bright, pastoral piece carried by shimmering piano chords and a shuffling groove. From there, the project expanded with contributions from Will Miller (Resavoir), Eamonn Prizy, and longtime collaborator Michael Wells, solidifying Blue Earth Sound as a collective effort rooted in collaboration and improvisation.
“My earlier bands were inspired by what I fell in love with between 16-21… I wanted to make music inspired by life experiences and the music I fell in love with in my late 20s/early 30s – 70s Chicago jazz and soul, Talk Talk, Japanese jazz, and Italian soundtrack composers.” – James Weir
Across its tracklist, Cicero Nights moves like a story arc, its flow both intentional and transportive. Highlights include 'Half & Half', whose horn arrangements nod to Curtis Mayfield and Donald Byrd, blending with Weir’s buoyant basslines to capture a summer groove. Meanwhile, 'On the Court'—inspired by the Hoop Dreams soundtrack—adds a boom-bap rhythm, smoky wah guitars, and clouded Wurlitzer chords, delivering an atmosphere fit for Chicago’s storied bar scene. As Weir puts it:
“I just wanted to make tunes that a DJ could play at a Chicago bar like Danny’s at 8:30 pm that would set a good vibe.”
The name Blue Earth Sound reflects Weir’s roots in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, while also embodying the duality of nostalgia and experimentation that defines his Chicago years. The result is an album that feels grounded, soulful, and deeply cinematic—a collection that both honours jazz traditions and reimagines them for modern audiences.
