Anderson as a songwriter is noted for his (often cynical) songs about god, Christianity, Christmas and the winter solstice, particularly on the Jethro Tull albums Aqualung and The Jethro Tull Christmas Album.
As a flautist, Anderson is self-taught has been stylistically influenced by Roland Kirk.
He is also capable on several other instruments, notably having played bass guitar on the Jethro Tull album Stormwatch.
Anderson also owns a salmon farm.