EPISODE 83 - Clifton Anderson

Clifton Anderson is considered one of the leading trombonists and composers performing in Jazz today. He is not only noted for his rich personal sound on the horn but for his abilities as a melodic composer and musical interpreter.

Clifton was born in Harlem, New York City into a musical family and from an early age showed an affinity for music. When he turned seven years old he received his first trombone from his uncle, Jazz Legend Sonny Rollins. Clifton attended the prestigious Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and is a graduate of The Manhattan School Of Music. During his college years Clifton played in bands led by Frank Foster, Carlos Garnett and Reggie Workman. He was one of the original members of Slide Hampton’s revered trombone ensemble “The World of Trombones”and quickly established himself as one of the young in demand trombonists on the New York City music scene.

Clifton’s extensive musical career has created the foundation to inform him as a gifted bandleader. His performances embody the fertile and varied history of musical experiences he’s been a part of, working with a who’s who of music and entertainment giants including; Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Bowie, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Barry Harris to Stevie Wonder, Keith Richards, Paul Simon, Wallace Roney, The Mighty Sparrow, Geri Allen, T.S. Monk and Terumasa Hino among others. His identifiable sound and memorable compositions have drawn a consistently expanding audience to his recordings and performances.