[1] Trained by the Chicago Symphony trombonists, he is regarded as someone who pushes the limits of the instrument, including performing on alto and soprano trombone.

[4] In 1977, he joined Anthony Braxton's Quartet (replacing George E. Lewis) and started working with Barry Altschul's group.

[4] In addition to leading his own groups since the late 1970s including the funk-oriented Slickaphonics,[4] in which he began taking an occasional good-humored vocal, where he shows the ability to sing two notes at the same time (a minor third apart).

Anderson has worked with David Murray, Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra, Dr. John, Luther Allison, Bennie Wallace, Gerry Hemingway, Henry Threadgill, John Scofield, Roscoe Mitchell, Randy Sandke's Inside Out Band, Sam Rivers' Rivbea Orchestra, Bobby Previte, George Russell and others.

With BassDrumBone With Slickaphonics With Barry Altschul With Anthony Braxton With Charlie Haden With Julius Hemphill With Roscoe Mitchell With Sam Rivers' Rivbea All-star Orchestra With Bobby Previte & Bump With Hank Roberts With George Russell's New York Band With Bob Thiele Collective With Roseanna Vitro and Kenny Werner