Karl Berger
Hasler / Paeffgen / Berger
*2023 stock* The eight cuts are credited jointly to the brass man and drummer. Their compositions are rhythmically complex but harmonically simple, making the most of Berger's ambiguous role midway between melody and percussion. They eschew overt virtuosity in favor of a distinctive group conception, achieving an orchestral feel from just three voices. Their arrangements are tight, but loose enough to accommodate Berger's ringing solos, extracting maximum dividend from what might seem limited re…
Sketches
"If music really is a form of rapid transportation, then I have found my mode of transport. Suspense brings apprehension before something happens. It’s a fact. The next time you’re in a snappy nightclub, tap your foot to the memories of your day fading out under the blue lights. The fiercest way to walk anywhere is on your toes. “Here I am,” you blurt out, but everyone already knows you, because a bass is a foghorn that guides us out of exhaustion. The days are doing a little number on us all of…
Moon
After performing at a night dedicated to Ed Blackwell and Don Cherry, vibraphone legend Karl Berger invited trumpeter Knuffke to Woodstock to teach and perform with him, from which this lovely album of duets was born, 2 CDs of original compositions of free and lyrical playing. "Karl and I met when we shared the bill for an "Arts for Art" night of music dedicated to Ed Blackwell. Karl was a longtime associate of Ed's. There were two duets featured that night. Karl played duo with the gre…