Fred Anderson, a remarkable tenor saxophonist, was born in Monroe in Louisiana in 1929. Fred Anderson emigrated to Evanston in Illinois in 1940. He also lived briefly in Gary, Indiana. Fred Anderson learned tenor while making a living by installing carpet and waiting tables. Because of Bird’s deep knowledge of the saxophone, Anderson cites Charlie Parker as his main musical influence. Fred met more and more of the soon to be formed AACM in the 1960’s. He performed in 1964 on the first AACM concert. It featured Fred, Billy Brimfield, Joseph Jarman (woodwinds), Arthur Reed, Charles Clark (bass), and Arthur Reed (drums). Fred was a member of the AACM’s first formal meetings in 1965. Fred recalls that he was present at one of the first meetings. It was probably the first or second meeting. It was discussed and we sat down together. They created this charter, which was a non-profit charter. This is how it all began. Muhal had an Experimental Band. It was an attempt to create your own music and to change the way you approach music. Fred has been a performer for many years and has led and participated in many creative and unique ensembles. Fred Anderson’s 1970’s collective included some of the most talented musicians in music, including George Lewis (trombone), Douglas Ewart(woodwinds), Hamid Dribble (percussion), Adegoke Steve Colson (“piano”) Felix Blackmon (bass), and Iqua Colson (“vocal”). Fred recalls this time, saying, “It wasn’t like they were telling me. They were doing it together. They were an inspiration to me …… It was just me thinking about all of us playing together. I didn’t consider myself a teacher ….. All was done at the bandstand. Fred Anderson died on June 24 2010. http://aacmchicago.org/ User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License and may also be available under the GNU FDL.
