Search - Karl Berger :: Crystal Fire

The Passionate Folk Ritual of Quintessential Jazz.

Michael F. Hopkins | Buffalo, NY USA | 08/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Karl Berger is one of the best-kept secrets in Jazz, and

one of this Music's finest artists. Bringing his European

roots to bear within this African American-rooted world

forum, the German-born vibraphonist and pianist brings

an original approach to song which is as refreshing and

inviting as it is challenging and innovative. Initially

influenced by Ornette Coleman's harmolodics, Berger's

artistry has grown into his own Folk-rooted simplicity

which is intricately focused.

Always swinging, full of intrigue, Berger can romp and

stomp up a storm, or gently touch your soul with moments

of purest serenity. More than one of the great artists

of Jazz, Berger stands tall as a pioneer unafraid to

place the business world at the disposal of the Art, as

his 1970s conception of the Creative Music Studio has

proven. Given this, Karl Berger must be recognized as

a stalwart champion of creative expression everywhere.



CRYSTAL FIRE is a sterling showcase of Berger's prime

compositional wizardry. Forming a stunning trio with the

vibesmaster, bassist David Holland steps and strums and

weaves percussive harmonies full of mischief and promise,

while percussionist Edward Blackwell simmers and struts

his polyharmonic, multirhythmic stuff with head-tossing

insolence, and hip-swaying impunity.

Those who thrilled to this trio's 1st outing with the

classic TRANSIT (Black Saint) will be floored by their

empathic presentation here. Ignited by Berger's sharp

touch and ringing execution, CRYSTAL FIRE is essential

dance and ritual play, the convergence of three Jazz

immortals come to have fun spinning some of the most

serious Music around.



Forget about formats and genres. CRYSTAL FIRE is the

river and the hearth, both smoothly comforting and

aggressively propulsive.



Simply put, here is Song that sings!

Rich. Robust. Passionately Inviting.

This Music Sings.



Listen..."