Mirrors (Joe Chambers album)
{{Infobox album
| name = Mirrors
| type = studio
| artist = Joe Chambers
| cover = Mirrors (Joe Chambers album).jpg|border=yes
| alt =
| released = 1999
| recorded = July 1998
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = Jazz
| length =
| label = Blue Note{{cite magazine |last1=Norment |first1=Lynn |title=Sounding Off |magazine=Ebony |date=Aug 1999 |volume=54 |issue=10 |page=22}}
| producer =
| prev_title = Isla Verde
| prev_year = 1995
| next_title = Urban Grooves
| next_year = 2002
}}
Mirrors is an album by the American drummer Joe Chambers, released in 1999.{{cite news |last1=D'Addono |first1=Beth |title='Mirrors' reflects Chambers' talent |work=Delaware County Daily Times |date=February 12, 1999 |department=News}}{{cite news |last1=Bellamy |first1=Cliff |title=Jazz sideman should get overdue recognition |work=The Herald-Sun |date=April 23, 1999 |location=Durham |department=Preview |page=3}} Chambers was asked to do the album as part of Blue Note Records' 60th anniversary.
Production
Recorded in July 1998, the album was produced in part by Brian Bacchus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/joe-chambers-mn0000122897/biography|title=Joe Chambers Biography, Songs, & Albums|website=AllMusic}} Chambers wrote seven of the nine songs.{{cite news |last1=Andrews |first1=Marke |title=CD Reviews |work=Vancouver Sun |date=29 May 1999 |page=E17}} The group rehearsed the songs for a week and then recorded them in about a day. Eddie Henderson played trumpet on the album; Mulgrew Miller played piano.{{Cite magazine|url=https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/joe-chambers-mirrors/|title=Joe Chambers: Mirrors|first=Bill|last=Bennett|magazine=JazzTimes}} "Come Back to Me" and "Lady in My Life" are versions of songs made famous by Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson, respectively. Chambers duets with himself on "Circles", playing drums and vibraphone. "Tu-Way-Pock-E-Way" is dedicated to Vernel Fournier.
Critical reception
{{album ratings
|rev1 = AllMusic
|rev1score = {{rating|4|5}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mirrors-mw0000047142|title=Joe Chambers Mirrors|website=AllMusic}}
|rev2 = Chicago Sun-Times
|rev2score = {{rating|3.5|4}}{{cite news |last1=Sachs |first1=Lloyd |title=Spin Control |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=May 2, 1999 |department=Showcase |page=10}}
|rev3 = The Encyclopedia of Popular Music
|rev3score = {{rating|3|5}}{{cite book |last1=Larkin |first1=Colin |title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music |date=2006 |publisher=MUZE |volume=2 |page=281}}
|rev4 = Los Angeles Daily News
|rev4score = {{rating|3.5|4}}{{cite news |last1=Shuster |first1=Fred |title=Sound Check |work=Los Angeles Daily News |date=April 16, 1999 |page=L24}}
|rev5 = The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD
|rev5score = {{rating|3.5|4}}{{cite book |title=The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD |date=2000 |publisher=Penguin Books Ltd |page=261}}
}}
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." 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."{{cite news |last1=Hunter, Jr. |first1=Al |title=In listening to 'Mirrors'... |work=Philadelphia Daily News |date=February 12, 1999 |department=Features Yo! |page=89}}
The Toronto Star opined that "Chambers is in subtle charge throughout, forceful and always involved on his slick numbers."{{cite news |last1=Chapman |first1=Geoff |title=Oldtimers give out blast of young gusto |work=Toronto Star |date=April 3, 1999 |department=Entertainment}} The Los Angeles Daily News determined that Mirrors "offers polished, diverse and ear-catching performances of Chambers' varied tunes." The Chicago Sun-Times called Chambers "a masterly all-around talent with a gift for iridescent arrangements and multi-colored harmonies."
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."
Track listing
{{Track listing
| all_writing =
| title1 = Tu-Way-Pock-E-Way
| length1 =
| title2 = Mirrors
| length2 =
| title3 = Caravanserai
| length3 =
| title4 = Ruth
| length4 =
| title5 = Mariposa
| length5 =
| title6 = Lady in My Life
| length6 =
| title7 = Circles
| length7 =
| title8 = Come Back to Me
| length8 =
| title9 = Ruthless
| length9 =
}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Joe Chambers}}
{{authority control}}