Omaggio a Fred Anderson (1929-2010)

Despite being one of the most memorable names when it comes to the Chicago scene, Fred Anderson was from the town of Monroe, Louisiana, where he was born on March 22, 1929. Having studied music formally at the Conservatory Roy Knapp, Anderson was a founder of the legendary AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians), which left Anthony Braxton and the Art Ensemble of Chicago. However, if not for the redemption of her name occurred in the 90s, the saxophonist probably would have died without having had even a shadow of recognition his work deserved.

Owns a career marked by long periods of silence, Anderson began to appear even in the 60 discs of fellow AACM, as Joseph Jarman. But his involvement with the bustling scene in Chicago has never represented any softening of the difficulties to survive. Work as a carpet installer was what gave support to him and his family for most of 60/70. " Music's always been like a hobby to me. I played the music because I love it ", he said in an interview, recalling the problematic option of trying to live by his music.

Only in the late 70s, who was nearly 50 years of age, was that he began recording as a leader. The shoot first, released in 1978, was called "Another Place" and never received digital reissue. To make matters worse, his belated debut would be interrupted too soon.

Between "The Milwaukee Tapes" (1980) and "Black Horn Long Gone" (recorded in 1993 but unpublished until last year), Anderson has largely disappeared, concentrating on his bar-club, the Velvet Lounge, which opened in 82. While performing in his bar, the musician took up this period of little more than a decade the business and education, leaving aside stages and studios.

Anderson was one of the most veteran rediscovered the excitement of free music from the 1990s. Ken Vandermark was among those who rescued the veteran saxophonist, bringing him to his circle, recording and touring with him. Hamid Drake was another key figure in this process. But with Drake, the ratio was more ancient and visceral. In his albums at the turn of 70/80, Anderson recruited very young drummer to take the drumsticks. In "Another Place", for example, Drake was only 23 years. When the 90 arrived, Drake, already a mature and respected drummer in the middle, Anderson has incorporated into its different projects.

The sonic texture of Anderson is among the most turbulent of his generation. Saxophonist, dedicated to the tenor, has always respected jazz strains, reusing them in their search improvised. A musician free, in connection with what the modern emerged from the 60s, but always aware of what came before. Weighed in their training, he said, names like Coleman Hawkins and Gene Ammons.

After the rediscovery of his name, Anderson went through almost two decades of intense activity, while still lit his "Velvet Lounge. From mid-1990 onwards, his name stamped at least some three dozen albums. In 2009, in commemoration of its 80 years, released "21st Century Chase: 8oth Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge," a disc with lots of energy, attended the drummer Chad Taylor and the saxophonist Kidd Jordan. About a year later, on June 24, 2010, Fred Anderson would suffer a massive heart attack, ending a career that has received in its final stage, the recognition it deserves.

This debut album as a leader Fred Anderson brings a quintet in its lineup, which had already complied with the trombonist George Lewis and then-rookie Hamid Drake on drums. There was even a third blow the trumpet of Billy Brimfield. At the time, as evidenced by other records ("Dark Day", "The Milwaukee Tapes"), the saxophonist was working constantly and Billy Drake.Themes Long, where you can enjoy wandering with the rich sound (almost lost!) Anderson.

Side A - Saxoon The Bull

Side B - Another Place Another Place B-Side

* Fred Anderson: tenor

*George Lewis: trombone

* Billy Brimfield: trumpet

* Brian Smith: bass

* Hamid Drake: drums
Recorded Live at 7th International New Jazz Festival, 1978, Moers.

Complete: http://freeformfreejazz.blogspot.com/2010/12/ommagio-fred-anderson-1929-2010.html