A duo collaboration years in the making, Grateful Heart brings together two accomplished and sensitive artists - flutist, saxophonist and vocalist Marc Berner and brilliant jazz pianist Mike Gerber. Jazz icon Ira Sullivan writes: "Marc Berner chose one of the finest pianists for this project. Mike Gerber's determined dedication to his craft over the decades I have known him has propelled him to the top of the world of jazz pianists. While Mike was attending the University of Miami he would memorize a Rachmaninoff concerto by playing four bars on his reel-to-reel, pause it, play four more bars and play them, repeating this process until he had the whole piece memorized. Indomitable. Marc Berner is a talent fresh on the doorstep of the world of jazz after performing in many other improvisational styles. I found myself delighted at discovering that he is a composer and singer of such interesting songs. I think you will enjoy Marc's vision and Mike's virtuosity." In addition to original compositions by Berner and Gerber, the CD features interpretations of songs by Bill Evans, Michel Legrand, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, Irving Berlin, Marcia Allyce, and Michael Franks. Lovers of both jazz and pop are sure to enjoy Grateful Heart, a thoughtful collection of music by two gifted musicians.