Mirrors (Joe Chambers album)

1999 studio album by Joe Chambers

Mirrors

Studio album by

Joe Chambers

Released| 1999
Recorded| July 1998
Genre| Jazz
Label| Blue 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

[edit]

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

[edit]

Professional ratingsReview scores

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]

## Track listing

[edit]

No.| Title| Length

|
|

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

[edit]

1. ^ Norment, Lynn (August 1999). "Sounding Off". Ebony. Vol. 54, no. 10\. p. 22.
2. ^ a b c D'Addono, Beth (February 12, 1999). "'Mirrors' reflects Chambers' talent". News. Delaware County Daily Times.
3. ^ a b Bellamy, Cliff (April 23, 1999). "Jazz sideman should get overdue recognition". Preview. The Herald-Sun. Durham. p. 3.
4. ^ a b c The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD. Penguin Books Ltd. 2000. p. 261.
5. ^ "Joe Chambers Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
6. ^ a b Andrews, Marke (May 29, 1999). "CD Reviews". Vancouver Sun. p. E17.
7. ^ a b Bennett, Bill. "Joe Chambers: Mirrors". JazzTimes.
8. ^ a b Hunter, Jr., Al (February 12, 1999). "In listening to 'Mirrors'...". Features Yo!. Philadelphia Daily News. p. 89.
9. ^ a b "Joe Chambers Mirrors". AllMusic.
10. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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.

* v
* t
* e

Joe Chambers

Years given are for the recording(s), not first release, unless stated otherwise.

Studio albums|

* The Almoravid (1973)
* New World (1976)
* Double Exposure (1977)
* Lend Me Your Ears (with Jeremy Steig and Eddie Gómez, 1978)
* Mirrors (1998)

Related articles|

* M'Boom

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