Martin Wind | Stars Review

by Illiam Sebitz

Stars is a jazz album built on a classic jazz heritage through old friends leaning in to play and listen. Martin Wind frames this session with a seasoned bassist’s wisdom. The program is a mixture of originals and standards that flow with momentum built collectively. Wind is surrounded by pianist Kenny Barron, clarinetist Anat Cohen, and drummer Matt Wilson. Recorded on February 5–6, 2025, at EastSide Sound in New York City, Stars was produced by Elan Mehler, engineered and mixed by Marc Urselli, and mastered by Matthew Lutthans. The Newvelle imprint captures a moment where heritage meets fresh momentum, delivering a warm, crystal-clear sound that rewards listeners with sonic richness and musical depth.

The chemistry is audible from the first bars. “Passing Thoughts” sets the tone with a supple, medium swing. Cohen’s clarinet is playful and articulate, Barron leaning hard-bopward, Wind anchors with Wilson to define a pocket that feels classic and inviting. Wind’s original “Life” follows with a haunting melody and an expressive performance by the quartet. Cohen is melodic and expressive in her solo. The feel changes to Latin and marks an engaging interaction between Cohen and Barron for the ending.

The quartet’s performance of Duke Ellington’s “Black Butterfly” leans into classic jazz.  Cohen is a particular delight throughout this performance. Her clarinet tone is full, rounded, and expressive, capable of both dancing lightness and smoky introspection. “Moody” is a jazz ballad that features Wind’s ability to accompany and interact with the music through conversational fills placed around anchoring tones. Wilson’s brush playing is also very colorful and engaging. On “Wail,” the group’s chemistry sharpens over a standard jazz harmonic terrain and form. The flow between bass and drums sculpts the form under each soloist. Barron delivers a solo filled with personality and deep jazz mastery.

“The Feeling of Jazz” is another seldom heard Ellington gem. Wind opens the track with a jazz blues-hued bass solo. The quartet’s performance is based on an intent to swing, and swing they do. “Pra Dizer Adeus” features a beautiful piano intro by Barron that leads to Wind’s arco performance of the melody. The light energy of the Latin feel lets Cohen stretch her phrases to create a storied arc.

“Standing at the Window Waving Goodbye” is a Wind original that keeps the gentle mood moving forward. Cohen’s expressive clarinet playing is enticing and mood-defining. Wind and Wilson have a strong chemistry in this straight eight setting. The ballad “Stars Fell on Alabama” pares the language down to essentials as Barron and Cohen engage in a moody classic jazz interchange as Wind provides a foot-tapping pulse, revealing how restraint yields focus.

Stars strikes an admirable balance between tradition and today’s classic jazz expression, culminating in a beautifully unhurried collection of songs that captures every nuance of this talented quartet. The chemistry between the players makes this an album to experience.

Artist: Martin Wind
Album: Stars
Label: Newvelle Records

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Release Date: January 30, 2026

About the author

Illiam Sebitz

Born and raised in a picturesque European village, my fondness for music began during my formative years, when the charismatic tones of the recorder first filled the halls of my primary school. This early fascination escalated into my lifelong pursuit of embracing the melodious charm of the flute; I have even spent time refining my skills at a music conservatoire. As a seasoned music connoisseur, I find myself captivated by the multifaceted world of music. I enjoy writing music reviews to better enable me to explore genres as diverse as world, rock, jazz, classical, folk, and film music, each offering a unique auditory journey that enriches my life and intellect.

In my spare moments, you'll likely find me meticulously crafting my latest woodworking project, sharpening my skills with flute etudes, or inventing tales of fantasy through the art of creative writing. My eclectic interests and expertise harmonize to create a symphony of passion and curiosity that resonates within every aspect of my life as a music enthusiast.