SAM SANDERS Vinilo y CD

Review: BBE continue their exploration of the imperious catalogue from Detroit-based jazz label Strata by unearthing a truly hidden gem. Sam Sanders' Mirror Mirror was never formally released, and that is in part because the legendary saxophonist's early brushes with the music industry inspired him to forge his own independent path. As such, some of his work never got the official release it deserved, and Mirror Mirror is a prime example. Even if the over-arching approach comes from jazz, there's a bias towards heavy grooves and song structures which makes much of the album land more as a deeply dug funk and soul classic. Just trip out on the melancholy beauty of 'Face At My Window' and you'll understand.