Internationally renowned German pianist, vibraphonist, composer, and educator Karl Berger rose out of the free jazz movement of the 1960s and helped to pioneer a broader, more globally minded approach to modern creative improvisation. Along with saxophonist Ornette Coleman, as well as his wife, vocalist Ingrid Sertso, Berger co-founded the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New York, bringing together students and innovators from around the globe. Prior to that, he played with trumpeter Don Cherry before immigrating to the U.S., where he recorded his 1967 debut album, From Now On. He was also part of John McLaughlin's historic 1970 avant-fusion outing When Fortune Smiles and released a series of acclaimed duo albums, including 1979's Just Play with Ed Blackwell. Although Berger kept busy leading workshops, he found time to record, releasing a 2010 solo piano date on Tzadik and joining Michael Bisio, Mat Maneri, and Whit Dickey for 2022's MBefore.