An ingenious multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and composer, James Weir has long been a creative force in Chicago’s music scene, first with the post punk band NE HI and later with the synth driven Spun Out. With Blue Earth Sound, he has taken a bold turn into jazz inflected, cinematic territory, crafting music that’s reflective, expansive, and full of unexpected depth. Weir’s transformation from rock bass player to jazz bandleader came out of a period of soul-searching, inspired by his diverse influences, from Japanese fusion to the soul-jazz classics of his adopted city. With Cicero Nights, his debut album released last month, Weir’s vision fully comes to life, embracing both the organic chemistry of his collaborators and his love for improvisation and expressive instrumentation. So we’re thrilled to kick off October with a very special selection of tracks handpicked and mixed by Weir, offering a glimpse into some of the influences at play in his own sonic world. Press play and enjoy!