Clifton Anderson facts for kids

Clifton Elliot Anderson (born October 5, 1957) is an American jazz musician. He is famous for playing the trombone. He has played with many great artists, including his uncle, the legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Clifton Anderson was born in New York City in 1957. His parents were also musicians. His mom was a singer and his dad played the organ. When Clifton was seven years old, his uncle, Sonny Rollins, bought him his first trombone. Sonny Rollins is a very famous jazz saxophone player. Clifton went to a special music high school in New York. This school was called the High School of Music and Art. He later graduated from the Manhattan School of Music in 1978.

Career Highlights and Albums

Clifton Anderson joined his uncle Sonny Rollins's band in 1983. He also played with other famous jazz groups. These included Frank Foster's Loud Minority and McCoy Tyner's big band.

Clifton released his first album as a band leader in 1995. It was called Landmarks. This album was played often on the radio. Critics also thought it was very good. However, Clifton found it hard to get good-paying concerts. He wanted to make sure he could pay his fellow musicians fairly.

His next album, Decade, came out around 2008. His third album, And So We Carry On, was released in 2013. Clifton Anderson's most recent album is Been Down This Road Before. It came out in 2020. This album features talented musicians like vocalist Andy Bey. It also includes Monty Alexander and Buster Williams.

Playing Style

Clifton Anderson plays the trombone with a strong and clear sound. His style is influenced by other great trombonists. He uses smooth slides and smears in his music. These are special techniques used in jazz.

Discography

As Leader

• Landmarks (Milestone, 1995)
• Decade (Universal/Doxy, 2008)
• And So We Carry On (Daywood Drive, 2011)
• Been Down This Road Before (BSMF, 2020)

As Sideman (Selected)

With Sonny Rollins

• Sunny Days, Starry Nights (Milestone, 1984)
• G-Man (Milestone, 1987)
• Dancing in the Dark (Milestone, 1987)
• Falling in Love with Jazz (Milestone, 1989)
• Here's to the People (Milestone, 1991)
• Global Warming (Milestone, 1998)
• This Is What I Do (Milestone, 2000)
• Without a Song: The 9/11 Concert (Milestone, 2005)
• Sonny, Please (Doxy, 2006)
• Road Shows, Vol. 1 (Doxy, 2008)
• Road Shows, Vol. 3 (Doxy, 2014)
• Holding The Stage: Road Shows, Vol. 4 (Doxy, 2016)

With Paul Simon

• The Rhythm of the Saints (Warner Bros., 1990)