Album Notes

\"There aren’t a million jazz trombonists out there composing and leading their own groups, but when one does come down the pike, they tend to be fairly individualistic and fresh. I’m thinking about players like J.J. Johnson (of course), Roswell Rudd, Robin Eubanks, and Ray Anderson. A Chicago native and veteran of New York’s jazz loft scene, Anderson has a really fat sound, a great deal of technical facility, and a sly humor in his compositions that sometimes recalls Charles Mingus or Carla Bley.

On his latest album, Bonemeal, recorded before a live audience, Anderson seeks to connect in a very direct way, his music often recalling New Orleans brass bands, even while his compositions work their way through multiple time changes and create an atmosphere of sophistication. If Anderson had been born in a different time, he could easily have been one of those distinctive voices in Duke Ellington’s band, so great is his command of his instrument.

Anderson is backed on this effort by a trio that includes Mark Helias on bass, Matt Wilson at the drum kit, and versatile guitarist Steve Salerno, who can turn in a lyrical solo one minute (\"Green Eyes, Fireflies\") and create a percussive edginess the next (\"Bonemeal\"). The group creates a wonderful setting for Anderson’s ebullient playing.\"
Marshall Bowden - PopMatters.com