Cicero Nights by Blue Earth Sound

James Weir, known for his work in Chicago’s vibrant music scene, is stepping into the spotlight with Cicero Nights, the debut album from his new project Blue Earth Sound. Out September 19 via Root Records, the album marks his first release as a bandleader and composer, introducing a lush, instrumental jazz sound that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Across eight immersive tracks, Cicero Nights blends soulful grooves, cinematic textures, and intuitive musicianship. It’s a record built for golden hour hangs and slow walks through the neighbourhood—filled with moments that drift, swell, and settle into their own rhythm. The music is warm and organic, inspired by everything from 70s Chicago jazz and soul to Japanese fusion, vintage film scores, and the introspective moods of Talk Talk.

The project started in Weir’s basement in Humboldt Park, where he began exploring the piano more seriously and reconnecting with songwriting from a new place in life. After linking up with drummer and neighbour Patch Romanowski, the ideas quickly evolved into something more collaborative and expansive. He brought the early material to Dave Vettraino (International Anthem) to help shape the sonic vision, and together they enlisted an incredible cast of players: Will Miller (Resavoir), Eamonn Prizy, Michael Wells, and more.

One of the first tracks written, lead single “Mariposa,” captures the album’s spirit beautifully with its bright piano melodies and breezy, pastoral energy. Elsewhere, songs like “Lover’s Rock” and “Half & Half” weave in elements of psychedelic soul, percussion-driven grooves, and swirling horns—always grounded by a sense of place and community.

Recording sessions took place across Chicago, from the IA warehouse to Mango Pit studios and even at Jason Balla’s house in Little Village, bringing in friends and collaborators from across the city’s music world. Strings were recorded in St. Louis, and Weir reunited with former bandmates along the way, making the album feel like a full-circle moment.

The name Blue Earth Sound comes from Weir’s hometown in Minnesota, but the album is unmistakably a Chicago record—rooted in soulful experimentation and thoughtful collaboration. Cicero Nights is the kind of album that sets a vibe early in the evening and carries you through with style, subtlety, and heart.

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. This is not getting played at 1:30 am.”