Martin Wind - Stars (2026) [Hi-Res]

As curtain-raisers go, Newvelle Records could scarcely have chosen a more fitting statement for the launch of its ‘Newvelle Ten Collection’. Martin Wind’s long-gestating dream project, “Stars”, is a fascinating and often touching album that glows with maturity, restraint and deep musical empathy. It’s an album that succeeds on many levels, but largely through its warmth and honesty.

Wind surrounds himself with an impeccable cast. Kenny Barron, Anat Cohen and Matt Wilson are not merely high-profile names but musicians whose shared history and instinctive rapport elevate this set well beyond a routine all-star date. From the opening moments, there’s a palpable sense of respect, a feeling that these players are listening as much as they are speaking.

Anat Cohen is a particular delight throughout. Her clarinet tone is full, rounded and quietly expressive, capable of both dancing lightness and smoky introspection. On Wind’s originals, especially the gently reflective “Standing at the Window Waving Goodbye”, she phrases with a storyteller’s patience, never rushing the emotional core of the music. Wind’s writing itself is understated but effective, favouring mood and melodic clarity over overt virtuosity.

Kenny Barron, though, is the gravitational centre of “Stars”. His piano playing is intelligent, thoughtful and endlessly tasteful, lifting the entire album with a sense of calm authority. Whether navigating the elegant contours of Duke Ellington’s “The Feeling of Jazz” or bringing buoyant sophistication to Bud Powell’s “Wail”, Barron’s touch is immaculate, reminding us why he remains one of the music’s great master pianists. Matt Wilson, meanwhile, provides subtle propulsion and colour, swinging lightly while leaving plenty of space for the music to breathe.

The repertoire strikes an admirable balance between tradition and personal expression, culminating in a beautifully unhurried reading of “Stars Fell on Alabama” that feels less like a standard and more like a shared memory. The production, engineered by Marc Urselli and pressed with Newvelle’s customary audiophile care, captures every nuance, making this as rewarding on a sonic level as it is musically.

“Stars” is all about conversation, tone and trust, making for a fitting celebration of Newvelle’s first decade. A lovely album to just sit back and relax into.

Mike Gates

Martin Wind – bass, composition;
Kenny Barron – piano;
Anat Cohen – clarinet;
Matt Wilson – drums