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Chuck Anderson

Chuck Anderson was born in Chicago, Ilinois on June 21st, 1947. At a young age, the family moved first to the Chicago suburb of Broadview then, to Westchester. When Chuck was 12, the Anderson family moved to Pennsylvania. He attended St. Katherine of Sienna grade school in Wayne, PA.

Basketball was a passion and looked like a possible career. Devon Prep was his high school of choice. Noted more for academic excellence than for sports, Chuck nevertheless continued his involvement in basketball. His discovery of guitar was completely accidental. Once, he played his first Em chord, music went forward and basketball went backward. Guitar lessons began in 1961. By 1963, Chuck was teaching guitar and playing local dances. Giving up basketball left his senior year completely focused on music.

Chuck entered St. Joseph's University in 1965. By 1967, it was apparent that music was to be his career. Both his teaching and performing continued to accelerate. By the time Chuck graduated in 1968, he was ready to teach and play full time.His first major break came in 1969 when he was offered the staff guitar job at the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The Latin was a famous showcase of world class entertainment. It was there that Chuck had his first associations with the top of the entertainment world. During that period, he accompanied and performed with legends such as Bobby Darin, Billy Eckstine and Peggy Lee among many others.

After four years of fourteen shows a week, it was time to turn in a new direction. Chuck started his concert jazz guitar career in 1973 when he formed the Chuck Anderson Trio with Al Stauffer on Bass and Ray Deeley on drums.Their first album, "Mirror within a Mirror", received critical acclaim and was the springboard for a busy concert schedule. The Trio's music featured Chuck's original writing as well as uniquely arranged jazz classics. The group's forte was a tremendous interaction and internal dialogue. Improvisation was at the heart of every performance.

Another four years passed and he was offered the staff job at Valley Forge Music Fair in Devon, PA. Another major talent showcase, the Music Fair work helped Chuck solidify his reputation as an outstanding professional guitar player. Here, he worked with Nancy Wilson, Michel LeGrand and Anthony Newley among many others.

After seven years of intense show involvement, the creative need asserted itself again. This time, Chuck turned toward the development of The Neo Classical Guitar. In this style, Chuck pioneered the use of the pick style guitar in Classical music. Using both electric and acoustic guitars, his Neo Classical style featured transcriptions, original composition and improvisation on international themes. This work produced the ground breaking album "Kaleidophon - The Art of the Neo Classical Guitar". Appearances and interviews on radio stations such as WFLN, WXPN and WRTI as well as television appearances on Prime Time and PBS heralded Chuck as the "new Segovia". Two live recordings, "Timeless" and "Virtuosity", were products of this period.

Ultimately, two events reshaped Chuck's career. The first was the theft of his Gibson L5 guitar. That instrument had played an important role in the development of Anderson's technique and unique style. It was the one that had carried him through his studies with Dennis Sandole, noted Philadelphia jazz teacher. Without his favorite guitar, Chuck found it difficult to perform. Though he tried other instruments, he was never able to recapture the magic of that first guitar.

Chuck turned to composition. He was totally absorbed in his writing for the next twenty odd years. This was ultimately to be a major factor in differentiating Anderson from other jazz guitarists.

One of America's greatest luthiers, Eric Schulte had taken care of Chuck's L5 since he first purchased it at the age of 19. He approached Chuck and asked why he was no longer giving concerts? Of course, he already knew but he had something in mind. He said, "Look I'll make you a deal. I know your L5 better than anyone. If you'll agree to go back and give concerts, I'll recreate your guitar". Chuck could hardly pass that up and agreed on the spot. Months passed and the new guitar emerged. With guitar in hand, Chuck began to prepare for his return to the concert world.

After a while, it became apparent that his former energy wasn't there. He thought that it was age or lethargy or ... something.

Without realizing it, Chuck had been suffering for a long time with a severe condition of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He was literally walking and working asleep. This particular problem was robbing him not only of energy but also of oxygen. The sleep therapy began and the energy and enthusiasm of his early jazz days returned!

With his customized Gibson L5 guitar and armed with this reborn energy, Chuck is now reclaiming his position as one of the outstanding jazz guitarists in the world today!

Chuck currently writes for the national magazine Just Jazz Guitar and has joined the staff of Jazz Masters on Mike's Master Classes. He maintains a busy schedule performing, teaching, composing and lecturing in the US and abroad.

Gear

Jazz Performance Gear Gibson L5 guitar Acoustic Image amplifier - 2R, series 3 2 Raezer's Edge Stealth 12 speaker cabinets

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Chuck Anderson: Spontaneity

Read "Spontaneity" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer

by Victor L. Schermer
November 13, 2021

For those who don't know, Chuck Anderson is a jazz guitarist, composer, and educator based in the Philadelphia area for many years. He studied with Dennis Sandole, went on to be the staff guitarist at the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, NJ followed by a tour of duty at the Valley Forge Music Fair in Devon, PA. Anderson has worked with Nancy Wilson, Sammy Davis Jr., Michel Legrand, Billy Eckstine, Jack Jones, Anthony Newley, Peggy Lee, and Bobby Darin to ...

Album Review

Chuck Anderson: Dominos

Read "Dominos" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer

by Victor L. Schermer
October 20, 2020

This noteworthy album by Chuck Anderson, one of our finest guitarists, was composed and recorded in the midst of the pandemic but with no mention of it in the liner notes, so you can draw your own conclusions as to whether the “dominos" in the title bear any relation to the “falling dominos" of all the troubling things that are happening these days. In the past, Anderson himself had undergone two recoveries from major medical conditions that disrupted ...

Album Review

Chuck Anderson: Original Jazz Works

Read "Original Jazz Works" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer

by Victor L. Schermer
August 30, 2019

Philadelphia boasts three legendary guitarists--Pat Martino, Jimmy Bruno, and Chuck Anderson--who belong on anyone's “profiles in courage" list. Each has made heroic recoveries from disabling medical conditions, recovering their chops and playing better than ever. Anderson, who some time ago recovered from debilitating sleep apnea, and after recently suffering a massive coronary and spending two weeks in an ICU, has made a full recovery, and is doing welcome-back gigs with his trio around the Delaware Valley. In case you don't ...

Live Review

The Chuck Anderson Trio at St. George's

by Mike Oppenheim
June 9, 2019

The Chuck Anderson Trio St. George's Recovery Concert Ardmore, PA May 10, 2019 In his first concert in more than a year, Chuck Anderson returned to the stage at St. George's in Ardmore, PA. After a long illness, Anderson's heavily publicized “Recovery Concert" filled the venue with fans of live jazz guitar of all ages. Accompanied by Ed Rick and Eric Schreiber, the modern incarnation of the original Chuck Anderson Trio, Anderson's audience friendly, ...

Live Review

The Chuck Anderson Trio featuring Coreen at The Media Jazz Festival

by Mike Oppenheim
December 20, 2015

The Chuck Anderson Trio featuring Jazz Vocalist Coreen Media Jazz Festival Media, PA November 21 2015 At the 13th annual Media Jazz Festival, the Chuck Anderson Trio made their fourth appearance since 2007, but this time with a new component to the show: the trio was joined by featured jazz vocalist Coreen. The Trio of Chuck Anderson, drummer Ed Rick and bassist Eric Schreiber played familiar and original tunes, with standards that are especially ...

Book Review

Chuck Anderson: My Life in Music

by Victor L. Schermer
December 11, 2015

My Life in Music Chuck Anderson 180 PagesISBN: #9781483440804 Lulu 2015 Chuck Anderson is not your ordinary jazz musician, and this book is not a typical biography of an entertainer or jazz artist. Anderson is a consummate master of the guitar in jazz, classical, and world music idioms, a composer, performer in diverse settings, educator, and leader of his own working trio. The book is not the typical reminiscence of hard times, ...

Interview

Rich Keith: Pure Jazz Radio

by Chuck Anderson
May 16, 2015

As a jazz performer with a career spanning decades, I've seen the music industry and jazz scene continually evolve, embracing radio, television, the internet, and beyond to grow and interact with the audience. Rich Keith, part time on-air host at WBGO and, since 2009, owner and general manager of Pure Jazz Radio, is a champion of jazz. Keith has been on the radio in the New York Metropolitan Area since 1977, most of that time featuring jazz and songs ...

Education

Philadelphia Jazz Guitar Legend Chuck Anderson Launches Online Program To Teach Jazz Guitarists Worldwide

Source: Chuck Anderson
April 17, 2014

Jazz Guitarist, Composer and Master Teacher Chuck Anderson has launched a new online jazz guitar program for jazz guitar students worldwide. Currently, Anderson, who has been called a jazz prodigy and master jazz guitarist, mentors jazz guitar students who come from four states surrounding his suburban jny: Philadelphia studio to study jazz guitar with him. A guitar legend, Anderson is still an active concert performer and composer as well as a master guitar teacher. Mentoring the next generation of jazz ...
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Performance / Tour

Guitarist Chuck Anderson In Media PA on Wed. Oct. 16th!

Source: Jim Miller
September 25, 2013

The Jazz Bridge Third Wednesdays Neighborhood Concerts Series in Media at the Unitarian Universalist Church —145 West Rose Tree Road in Media - presents guitarist Chuck Anderson on Wednesday, October 16. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., tickets are $10/$5 for students, and are only available at the door. For info: 215-517-8337 or visit Jazz Bridge. Anderson, who will be accompanied by bassist Eric Schreiber and drummer Ed Rick, has been innovating and breaking new ground as a player, composer and educator ...
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Opinion

Musicians and the Public Image

Source: MusicianWages.com
May 4, 2012

By Chuck Anderson Is it just me or have you ever noticed that musicians are consistently portrayed by the advertising media as losers, homeless, broke, druggies, alcoholics or just plain simpletons? From my perspective, I am not only offended by this but enraged enough to try to raise consciousness about this entire subject. Are some musicians druggies and alcoholics? Yes, but so are some lawyers and doctors. There are very few harder working and dedicated professionals than those working in ...
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Performance / Tour

Jazz Bridge Presents Guitarist Chuck Anderson at the Cheltenham Art Center on March 2nd

Source: Suzanne Cloud
February 15, 2011

Appearing at the Cheltenham Art Center, 439 Ashbourne Rd, Cheltenham, PA on March 2nd 2011 will be guitarist Chuck Anderson with his trio featuring bassist Eric Schreiber and drummer Ed Rick. Born in Chicago, Chuck Anderson has made Philadelphia his home since, at the age of 21, he was hired for the house band at the Latin Casino where he accompanied legends such as Billy Eckstine, Peggy Lee, Bobby Darin, Nancy Wilson and Sammy Davis Jr. In 1974, Anderson began ...
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Performance / Tour

The Chuck Anderson Trio in Concert at Chaplin's Music Cafe

Source: Michael Ricci
November 18, 2010

Recording

Jimmy Bruno and Chuck Anderson work on a new recording project!

Source: Chuck Anderson
November 1, 2010

Master guitarists Jimmy Bruno and Chuck Anderson are currently composing material for an exciting new project entitled Images for Two Jazz Guitars. The talented tandem are also planning live performances as well as master classes and other educational platforms in support of it. Their goal is to explore new musical territory with both the compositions and the instrumentation of each piece. Tracks will find their own direction and require unique instrumentation and don't be surprised to hear a cello and ...
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Interview

Guitarist Chuck Anderson Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
April 20, 2010

Chuck Anderson's guitar artistry is a cut above the jazz standard. The quality of his execution is so fine that on first hearing, it is literally stunning. His recent CD, Freefall (Dreambox Media, 2010) consists of musical gems--all-original compositions, woven into a tapestry worthy of a master classical guitarist. Yet it is all straight-ahead mainstream jazz played on a Gibson L5 electric guitar in a trio setting.

The question arises as to why he is not better known within the ...
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169

Contest

Announcing the Winners of the "Chuck Anderson - Freefall" Giveaway

Source: Michael Ricci
April 19, 2010

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Performance / Tour

The Chuck Anderson Trio at the New Hope Winery (PA) on April 10th

Source: Michael Ricci
March 28, 2010

From Chuck Anderson: I'd like to invite you to the New Hope Winery on Saturday, April 10th at 8:00 PM for an evening of Jazz Guitar featuring the Chuck Anderson Trio. The Trio features Eric Schreiber on 5 string bass and Ed Rick on Drums. The New Hope Winery is located at 6123 Lower York Road Bucks County, PA 18938 Advance tickets - make sure to call 215 794 2331 for best seating. If you're anywhere in the area, ...
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236

Contest

Enter the "Chuck Anderson - Freefall" Giveaway Contest

Source: All About Jazz
March 18, 2010

All About Jazz members are invited to enter the “Chuck Anderson - Freefall“ giveaway contest starting today. We'll select FIVE winners at the conclusion of the contest on April 17th. Click here to enter the contest

(Following Chuck Anderson at AAJ automatically enters you in the contest.)

Good luck!

About Chuck Anderson, The Most Distinctive Voice in Audience-Friendly, Progressive Jazz Guitar Combining virtuosic technique with stunning originality, Chuck Anderson projects the soul of jazz to his audience. Original ...
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“Guitarist/composer Chuck Anderson has the ability to turn notes into poetry.”

—Gerald Veasley Jazz Recording Artist

“Chuck Anderson is certainly one of America's finest and most influential guitarists...”

—Dick Boak Martin Guitar Company

“The worst thing you can do is to imagine the uniqueness of Chuck Anderson's music. The best thing is to go see him...”

—Tom Jensen Today's Post

“Chuck Anderson is a force to be reckoned with. He is an outstanding teacher, a prolific composer and a great guitarist.”

—Bob Miles Host of "Miles of Music" television show

“Guitarist/composer Chuck Anderson has the ability to turn notes into poetry.”

—Gerald Veasley Jazz Recording Artist

“Chuck Anderson is certainly one of America's finest and most influential guitarists...”

—Dick Boak Martin Guitar Company

“The worst thing you can do is to imagine the uniqueness of Chuck Anderson's music. The best thing is to go see him...”

—Tom Jensen Today's Post

“Chuck Anderson is a force to be reckoned with. He is an outstanding teacher, a prolific composer and a great guitarist.”

—Bob Miles Host of "Miles of Music" television show

“Chuck Anderson shows an amazing range of virtuosity and creativity. Hats off to a true guitar master.”

—Allan Tucker Foothill Digital

“Chuck Anderson is so much more than a guitar virtuoso. He is an artist who instantly establishes a personal connection with his audience, a connection that is rekindled every time Chuck performs.”

—Bruce Schulman MPI Research

“Chuck is a premier musician and teacher who enjoys an international reputation for excellence in teaching. He is the author of several publications and is a well known performer with a great deal of experience in virtually all forms of music.”

—Dr. William V. Frabizio Chairman, Department of Music Arcadia College

“Chuck is the teacher and keeper of the knowledge and master of the techniques. Keep passing it on! ”

—Michael Sembello Songwriter/ Producer

“Besides being an outstanding musician, Chuck Anderson has developed a worldwide reputation as an innovative music educator. Noted as an author and researcher, he has developed methods and teaching materials which have helped musicians to develop their creative potential.”

—John Marshall Martin Guitar Company

“Chuck has an almost singular ability amongst contemporary music educators to balance the relevant academic knowledge with his broad based background as a performer and composer. No one has ever received the student accolades that he received from his lectures here in Liverpool.”

—Arthur Bernstein Head of Music The Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts

“Chuck Anderson has been a major influence on private music education for over 35 years. Teachers, players, arrangers and songwriters have all benefited from his unique combination of music knowledge, practical street experience and dedication.”

—Gerson Rosenbloom President of Medley Music Executive of NAAM

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Primary Instrument

Guitar

Location

Philadelphia

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Massive experience in private teaching. I develop programs for guitarists that are customized to the individual. Using my own technologies such as Modular Phonetic Rhythm and Fingering Systems, I have been able to help many jazz guitarists achieve their goals.