Sam Sanders: Mirror, Mirror 2LP

Amir's 180 Proof continues to dig deeper than the rest with another absolutely stunning jazz release. This time around, its Sam Sander's Mirror Mirror that gets the deluxe treatment with a double 45 RPM pressing on heavy brown colored wax in heavy stock, tip-on gatefold sleeve. Diggers and collectors will flip over this one as the music is so rare that has never actually seen a proper release (180 Proof even had to create the artwork from scratch)! Besides all the hype, this is some of the finest fusion jazz to come from Strata-era Detroit. From the label - "Although he’s been compared to John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman and Joe Henderson, Sam Sanders stands out as one of the most unique phenomena to come from the Motor City. Sanders’ approach to life was so out there that one might say his relative obscurity was a personal choice. Sanders caught glimpses of fame early on performing with several internationally known acts and subsequently, he also learned a bit about what the Record Industry’s primary goals were. Realizing that he did not share them, Sanders chose instead to walk his own path. This drive for artistic freedom turned out to be a double-edged sword: while it allowed Sanders to produce some of the most electric jazz, funk, and soul to come from Detroit, it also meant that most of his recordings were never widely released, if they were released at all." 6 tracks total over 2 180g LPs with extensive liner notes and never seen before photos. Plays at 45. Recommended.

• music label: Strata Records, Inc. / 180 Proof Records 2013

reviewed by TKB 12/2013