Markus Burger
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llo, World!
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Markus Burger | |
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Born | Wittlich, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany | September 30, 1966
Origin | Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
Genres | Jazz, new-age, chamber |
Occupation(s) | Musician, composer, music educator, record producer |
Instrument | Piano |
Years active | 1980–present |
Labels | Challenge, Jazzline, Cadence Jazz, Edition Hänssler |
Website | markusburger.com |
Markus Burger (born September 30, 1966) is a German pianist, composer, and music educator. He directs the Music Industry Studies program at Fullerton College and is known for blending classical music, jazz, and improvisation in his work.
Early life and education
[edit]Burger began playing piano at age six. He studied at the Folkwang University in Essen, Germany, under Peter Herborn, John Taylor, Simon Nabatov, and Uli Beckerhoff. Burger also received a scholarship to the Banff Centre in Alberta, Canada.
Career and achievements
[edit]Burger has worked as a soloist and collaborator, gaining recognition for his work across jazz, classical music, and other genres. In 2016, Challenge Records released a CD of his live concert with Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Stefan Lotterman, Jan von Klewitz, Felix Astor, and Martin Gjakonovski.
Awards and recognition
[edit]In 1989, Burger won the Jazz Piano Competition in Rhineland-Palatinate. In 1993, he was a finalist at the Martial Solal Competition in Paris, and in 1997, he was a finalist at the Composers Competition in Monaco. In 2000, Burger received the Bach Prize from the City of Erfurt, and in 2020, the Culture Prize of his home county, Bernkastel-Wittlich.
Health struggles and artistic development
[edit]From 1999 to 2002, Burger faced a life-threatening illness that profoundly impacted his artistic development. During this period, he recorded the solo piano album Ultreya, a personal and introspective work reflecting his struggles and triumphs.
Musical projects and collaborations
[edit]Burger founded several musical projects, including the trio Accidental Tourists, which was recorded for Challenge Records.[1] He also established the European Quartet Septer Bourbon, which was recorded for Jazzline Records, and the North Atlantic Jazz Alliance. His collaboration with saxophonist Jan von Klewitz, under the name Spiritual Standards, has produced five album releases on Jazzline and Challenge Records, blending jazz with classical influences and spiritual themes.
Academic career
[edit]Burger is a full professor at Fullerton College and serves as the Music Industry Studies program director. He has also worked as an adjunct professor of music entrepreneurship, piano, and composition at San Diego State University (SDSU).
Legacy
[edit]Markus Burger is active in contemporary jazz as both a performer and educator. His blending of genres has earned him recognition as a respected musician. He has been a member of the Bösendorfer family of Pianists since 2019.
Discography
[edit]- 1996 Fishing for Compliments Septer Bourbon
- 1999 Spiritual Standards with Jan von Klewitz
- 2000 Spiritual Standards [Secunda] with Jan von Klewitz
- 2001 The Smile of the Honeycakehorse Septer Bourbon
- 2002 Ultreya
- 2004 Markus Burger, John Tchicai & Matt Marucci- Genesis (Cadence Jazz Records)
- 2005 Inside.Outside with Jan von Klewitz
- 2006 NAJA North Atlantic Jazz Alliance
- 2007 Tertia with Jan von Klewitz
- 2007 Vesprae Ensemble Katharsis
- 2008 Quarta - Spiritual Standards from the New World with Jan von Klewitz
- 2012 Accidental Tourists: The L.A. Sessions – Markus Burger (piano), Joe LaBarbera (drums), Bob Magnusson (bass) – Challenge Records
- 2016 Accidental Tourists: The Banff Sessions - Markus Burger (piano), Kenny Wheeler (trumpet), Jan von Klewitz (saxophonist), Norma Winstone (vocals) – Challenge
- 2018 Spiritual Standards Quinta, Songs inspired by Martin Luther (Challenge Records)
- 2019 Accidental Tourists: The Alaska Sessions- Markus Burger (piano), Bob Magnusson (bass), Peter Erskine (drums) (Challenge Records)
- 2022 The Vienna Sessions, Markus Burger Solo (Challenge Records)
References
[edit]- ^ Silsbee, Kirk (March 2013). "Accidental Tourists: The L.A. Sessions". Down Beat. Vol. 80, no. 3. p. 66.
3. Christoph Spendel Tastenwelt, March, 2022 (pages 12,13,16,17,18,19) 4. Ilse Rosenschild, Trierischer Volksfreund, June 28, 2022