Mirrors
Studio album by
Joe Chambers
Released1999
RecordedJuly 1998
GenreJazz
LabelBlue Note[1]
Joe Chambers chronology
Isla Verde
(1995)		 Mirrors
(1999)		 Urban Grooves
(2002)

Mirrors is an album by the American drummer Joe Chambers, released in 1999.[2][3] Chambers was asked to do the album as part of Blue Note Records' 60th anniversary.[4]

Production

Recorded in July 1998, the album was produced in part by Brian Bacchus.[4][5] Chambers wrote seven of the nine songs.[6] The group rehearsed the songs for a week and then recorded them in about a day.[2] Eddie Henderson played trumpet on the album; Mulgrew Miller played piano.[7][6]

"Come Back to Me" and "Lady in My Life" are versions of songs made famous by Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson, respectively.[2] Chambers duets with himself on "Circles", playing drums and vibraphone.[3] "Tu-Way-Pock-E-Way" is dedicated to Vernel Fournier.[8]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[9]
Chicago Sun-Times[10]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music[11]
Los Angeles Daily News[12]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD[4]

JazzTimes wrote that "Miller is truly coming into his own, overplaying less and consistently finding an apt line or harmony in the context of the ensemble."[7] The Philadelphia Daily News stated that "Chambers propels a group with an unobtrusive, cymbal-rimmed fuel that leaves plenty of room for the front-line players."[8]

The Toronto Star opined that "Chambers is in subtle charge throughout, forceful and always involved on his slick numbers."[13] The Los Angeles Daily News determined that Mirrors "offers polished, diverse and ear-catching performances of Chambers' varied tunes."[12] The Chicago Sun-Times called Chambers "a masterly all-around talent with a gift for iridescent arrangements and multi-colored harmonies."[10]

AllMusic wrote: "Immaculately played and programmed, collectively inspired by brilliant musicianship, and triggered by the creative juices of its fearless leader, the date commands interest throughout, and upon repeated listenings."[9]

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."Tu-Way-Pock-E-Way" 
2."Mirrors" 
3."Caravanserai" 
4."Ruth" 
5."Mariposa" 
6."Lady in My Life" 
7."Circles" 
8."Come Back to Me" 
9."Ruthless" 

References

  1. ↑ Norment, Lynn (Aug 1999). "Sounding Off". Ebony. 54 (10): 22.
  2. 1 2 3 D'Addono, Beth (February 12, 1999). "'Mirrors' reflects Chambers' talent". News. Delaware County Daily Times.
  3. 1 2 Bellamy, Cliff (April 23, 1999). "Jazz sideman should get overdue recognition". Preview. The Herald-Sun. Durham. p. 3.
  4. 1 2 3 The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD. Penguin Books Ltd. 2000. p. 261.
  5. ↑ "Joe Chambers Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
  6. 1 2 Andrews, Marke (29 May 1999). "CD Reviews". Vancouver Sun. p. E17.
  7. 1 2 Bennett, Bill. "Joe Chambers: Mirrors". JazzTimes.
  8. 1 2 Hunter, Jr., Al (February 12, 1999). "In listening to 'Mirrors'...". Features Yo!. Philadelphia Daily News. p. 89.
  9. 1 2 "Joe Chambers - Mirrors Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  10. 1 2 Sachs, Lloyd (May 2, 1999). "Spin Control". Showcase. Chicago Sun-Times. p. 10.
  11. ↑ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 2. MUZE. p. 281.
  12. 1 2 Shuster, Fred (April 16, 1999). "Sound Check". Los Angeles Daily News. p. L24.
  13. ↑ Chapman, Geoff (April 3, 1999). "Oldtimers give out blast of young gusto". Entertainment. Toronto Star.
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