Bio Markus Burger Critically acclaimed German-born jazz recording artist, pianist and composer, producer, label executive and educator. During his career, he has performed in concerts and festivals throughout Europe, the former Soviet Union, Africa and most recently in the United States. He began studying the piano at the age of six and went on to later receive a Masters Degree in Performing Arts from the University of Essen in Germany, a B.A. in Piano and Composition from the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands and a Teaching Certification in Popular Music from the University of Hamburg in Germany. He has released a total of five CDs, featuring his own compositions, two of which with his quartet, Septer Bourbon and two as part of a duo with renowned saxophonist Jan Von Klewitz. His second quartet album, The Smile of the Honeycake Horse, generated excellent reviews from the European press and was featured on Downbeat Magazine in the United States. His third album, Spiritual Standards, a collection of contemporary jazz improvisations of Johann Sebastian Bach?s greatest chorals and masterpieces, was performed at sold out venues in Germany, Poland and Italy, later making the top 20 in the German charts in 1999. His newly released fifth CD and first solo project titled Ultreya, featuring his own compositions and improvisational work, was introduced to audiences during his winter tour in December, 2002. Along with composing, performing, producing and occasionally fly fishing, Markus Burger is a professor at Sacramento City College in California and the founding director of DiverCity Records, a non-profit, college-based record label which he developed, launched and operates in collaboration with his students. Critic Reviews : "Spiritual Standards" is a true recommendation. Praise these Lords ! (Stereo 1/99) ".... Very exciting symbiosis between traditional and contemporary " (Musikwoche 11/1998} "The boredom of listening to church music has come to an end" (Voice of Trier 12/98) "Every note is a pearl in the room and covers your heart with magic" (Takt 01/99) "Spiritual Standards is a true value". (Christian Family 01/99) "Rarely has Christian music been played so up to date with such deep respect while captivating the spirit and the soul of a whole belief". (Erzbistum Trier 9/99) "Church hymns are transformed with depth and power into our century.." (Erzbistum Berlin 11/99)