While studying at the University of Massachusetts he cofounded the band Tin Hat Trio, a chamber music collective beloved of critics and audiences alike. His early career featured multiple collaborations with Bill Frisell, John Zorn, and Laurie Anderson. As a multi-instrumentalist and arranger he has recorded and performed with Elvis Costello, Marianne Faithfull, Sting, Rufus Wainwright, Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, Calexico, Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, Beth Orton, Iron & Wine, and many others. Burger’s acclaim as a recording artist launched the film and TV scoring facet of his career. He has composed for numerous movies including Trouble (2017), Bully, Nebraska, 360, Diminished Capacity, and has scored commercials for clients such as Toyota, Safeway, and Mercedes-Benz.