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]
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]