Mirrors (Joe Chambers album)
| Mirrors | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1999 | |||
| Recorded | July 1998 | |||
| Genre | Jazz | |||
| Label | Blue Note[1] | |||
| Joe Chambers chronology | ||||
| ||||
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
| Review 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
| 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
- ^ Norment, Lynn (Aug 1999). "Sounding Off". Ebony. Vol. 54, no. 10. p. 22.
- ^ a b c D'Addono, Beth (February 12, 1999). "'Mirrors' reflects Chambers' talent". News. Delaware County Daily Times.
- ^ a b Bellamy, Cliff (April 23, 1999). "Jazz sideman should get overdue recognition". Preview. The Herald-Sun. Durham. p. 3.
- ^ a b c The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD. Penguin Books Ltd. 2000. p. 261.
- ^ "Joe Chambers Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
- ^ a b Andrews, Marke (29 May 1999). "CD Reviews". Vancouver Sun. p. E17.
- ^ a b Bennett, Bill. "Joe Chambers: Mirrors". JazzTimes.
- ^ a b Hunter, Jr., Al (February 12, 1999). "In listening to 'Mirrors'...". Features Yo!. Philadelphia Daily News. p. 89.
- ^ a b "Joe Chambers Mirrors". AllMusic.
- ^ a b Sachs, Lloyd (May 2, 1999). "Spin Control". Showcase. Chicago Sun-Times. p. 10.
- ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 2. MUZE. p. 281.
- ^ a b Shuster, Fred (April 16, 1999). "Sound Check". Los Angeles Daily News. p. L24.
- ^ Chapman, Geoff (April 3, 1999). "Oldtimers give out blast of young gusto". Entertainment. Toronto Star.