Mirrors | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 1999 | |||
Recorded | July 1998 | |||
Genre | Jazz | |||
Label | Blue Note[1] | |||
Joe Chambers chronology | ||||
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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]
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]
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
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]
No. | Title | Length |
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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" |