None But the Lonely Heart

AMG Review of None But the Lonely Heart

Joel Roberts
All Music Guide

Chris Anderson is one of the unsung heroes of modern jazz piano. A revered figure among musicians, largely for his role as mentor to a young Herbie Hancock, Anderson has long been hindered by illness from aggressively pursuing his rightful place in the jazz limelight. A Chicago native reared on the blues and the music of Nat King Cole, Art Tatum, and Duke Ellington, Anderson years ago developed a rich harmonic sensibility that bears the influence of Ravel and Debussy. His playing remains moody and impressionistic, built on chordal improvisation rather than speedy right-hand runs, yet he never strays too far from his blues roots. One hopes that this outstanding, quietly brilliant duo effort with bass master Haden helps earn him some richly deserved acclaim.