German-born jazz composer, pianist, and music educator. His music has been heard in Europe, Africa, the ex-Soviet Union, and, most recently, in the United States. At six years old, he began to study piano and earned his Masters of Performing Arts at the Essen Folkwang School in Germany. He received a certification in popular music from the University of Hamburg in Germany and a degree in piano and composition from the University of Maastricht, Netherlands. He was a student of Georg Ruby, Simon Nabatov and Peter Walter. Markus was influenced by many musical styles, including J.S. Claude Debussy and Keith Jarrett. Miles Davis, Pat Metheny. Lyle Mays. Stevie Wonder. Markus Burger’s solo album, Ultreya features his piano compositions as well as improvisational work. Ultreya is an old Spanish cry that loosely translated into “keep going”, was introduced to American, German, and Italian audiences. Two albums are currently scheduled for release. His Trio album, which features Joe Magnusson as bassist and Joe LaBarbera as drummer respectively, and his collaboration with Sherry Williams are currently being recorded. They will be released on the Challenge Label in the Netherlands in April 2012. He has worked and played with Joe La Barbera. Bob Magnusson. Kenny Wheeler. Normah Winston. Andrea Tofanelli. Cecil Payne. John Tchicai. Bob Mintzer. Jan von Klewitz. Chris Walden. Mitch Holder. Mitch Holder. Jim Linahon. Bill Yeager. Mat Marucci. Mitch Holder. Ten albums have been released, including his compositions and arrangements. “Song for Sasha”, his composition, won 2nd prize at the JPF Awards 2009. It also made it to the ballots for the 2009 Grammys. His avant-garde jazz collaboration, Genesis, was recorded with Matt Marucci, a jazz musician. Tertia’s latest Spiritual Standards project, which he co-produced with Jan Von Klewitz (Berlin-based saxophonist), made its debut in Germany during a national televised performance on New Year’s Day 2005. His second album, The Smile of the Honeycake Horse with his septer Bourbon quartet, was praised by the European press and Downbeat Magazine in the United States. It also gained a “cult following in Germany.” His Spiritual Standards project, which included contemporary jazz improvisations from Johann Sebastian Bach’s greatest songs and masterpieces, was sold out in Germany, Poland and Italy. It later reached the top 20 on the German Jazz charts in 1999. From www.markusburger.com
