Chris Anderson

Two distinguishing elements mark the path of pianist Chris Anderson. He served as both instructor and shaping force for Herbie Hancock, while also cutting several standout early-1960s sessions whose rhythmic vitality and range surpassed most comparable piano-trio or rhythm-section dates lacking horns. Traces of Anderson’s touch and improvisational approach surface clearly on Hancock’s initial outings My Point of View and Fat Albert Rotunda. The 1960 Vee-Jay date featuring bassist Bill Lee and drummer Art Taylor stands as his strongest work. Jazz Heritage later brought the 1987 album Love Locked Out to compact disc, an issue that underscores Anderson’s influence on Hancock yet is undercut by its unremarkable vocal touches.