Karl Berger

This German pianist and vibes master bridges the gap between Post Bop, Avant Garde and Free Jazz. A disciple of Ornette Coleman and a one-time member of Don Cherry's cutting edge mid-1960s ensemble, Berger brings a sense of clarity and a swing pulse to his always adventurous playing. Perhaps it's the dreamy vibraphone sound -- the vibes can't squawk or bleat like the sax -- that makes his music more accessible than that of many of his contemporaries. Berger's music is usually just to the left of Bobby Hutcherson's or Gary Burton's work, but is often just as rewarding.