Chris Anderson

Chris Anderson (February 26, 1926 – February 4, 2008) was an American jazz pianist who was active in Chicago and New York City from the 1940s to the 1960s. He played with many prominent jazz figures of the time, including Charlie Parker, though he is perhaps best known today for his influence on Herbie Hancock.

Early life Chris Anderson was born in Chicago on February 26, 1926. He was born with limited vision and osteogenesis imperfecta. By age 20, he was completely blind due to cataracts.

Career As the house pianist in a number of Chicago clubs from the mid 1940s through 1960, Anderson played with prominent jazz figures including Sonny Sitt, Charlie Parker, Howard McGhee, Clifford Brown, Von Freeman, Sonny Rollins, Gene Ammons, and Stan Getz. In October 1959, after breaking his leg twice in less than a year and struggling financially, some of Anderson’s fellow musicians arranged a benefit concert with promoter Joe Segal at the Preview lounge in Chicago.

In 1961, Anderson toured briefly with Dinah Washington in New York City where he would remain for the rest of his career. He worked intermittently due to illness, suffering multiple broken hips.

Anderson recorded only a few albums in the 1960s which were well-regarded but not widely circulated. After a hiatus, he returned to recording in the 1980s through to early 2000s.

Legacy Anderson is perhaps best known as the mentor of jazz musician Herbie Hancock, who praised him as "a master of harmony and sensitivity."

Discography

As leader/co-leader

As sideman With Clifford Jordan Remembering Me-Me (Muse, 1977) The Mellow Side of Clifford Jordan (Mapleshade, 1997)

With Charlie Parker An Evening at Home with the Bird (Savoy, 1961) One Night in Chicago (Savoy, 1980)

With others Sun Ra, Sun Ra Sextet at the Village Vanguard (Rounder, 1993) Frank Strozier, Long Night (Jazzland, 1961)