Azwan

Product Description

Brand new album, his 10th studio release, from legendary guitarist Pierre Bensusan! During a three year hiatus from international touring, Pierre began writing exciting new material and perfecting his guitar-playing for this new instrumental CD ”AZWAN”. This is Pierre’s 10th studio album. Along my life’s journey, I have experienced unity off and on, being more or less aware of the impact and influence of every action upon the entire universe. As time goes on, the more I feel connected to all people, animals and universally to the whole of nature. Being that we are all connected, my intention is that every action and behavior contributes, supports and adds value to our interconnectivity, especially through my music. It feels like a nurturing or even a healing process for me and those with whom I share it. The name of the new album came from my wife, Doatea. The concept of ”Azwan” came from observing bees, those solar insects working in the darkness together as one, and by observing flocks of birds flying and dancing together as one. It has been an inspiring symbolic representation of the continuum of music. When seeing ”Azwan” written, it can evoke a place, a city or a mood, but when hearing it said out loud, it sounds like ”as one.” I’ve been contemplating all the music from ”Azwan” for years before actually recording it, taking time to allow all the notes to come together as one. My approach is similar to that of jazz musicians. While many are highly trained musicians, when they play, it is all about being in the moment and improvising. French guitarist Jean-Marie Ecay, with whom I had the great pleasure of producing the new album, takes a similar approach. He brought in Christophe Cravero on alto and violin and Stephane Kericky on upright bass: two prominent musicians from the French jazz scene. Jean-Marie also plays along with me on the track ”Balkangeles”.

Review

He might not be the plucky 17 year old phenom that made you jealous all those years ago, but when talking about guitarist Bensusan you shouldn’t apply any adjectives—they’re just too limiting. A world class acoustic guitarist, he’s got the touch that makes you think you can imitate him and makes you want to kill yourself when you find you can’t. Blowing you away again and again with what you can accomplish with six strings, five fingers and a nimble mind, he’s such a master that he can sit in the front row and sass the teacher. Art in motion with none of the pretense that you’d expect to go with a description like that. Killer stuff.Chris Spector –Midwest Record review 4/13/2020 ”one of the most unique and brilliant acoustic guitar veterans in the world music scene today…” L.A. Times ”Pierre’s music gives me the shakes. No other guitarist shares his strange gifts of sophistication, accessibility, and downright joy. Even at its most complex, Pierre’s music only needs ears to be enjoyed.” Leo Kottke Pierre Bensusan’s music is a gift. Carly Simon The American audience must listen to the music of Pierre Bensusan. Joan Baez Pierre, what you do with folk music, and how you transcend all these various idioms to bring them into to the language spoken today is very important, don’t change ! Pete Seeger Listening to Pierre’s music is rejuvenating. Beside his extraordinary touch and tone, the notes and melody appeal directly to the tender side of our human nature. Steve Vai Pierre Bensusan’s music is a true inspiration. Suzanne Vega Pierre’s music has taken me on incredible journeys, along the route of the steel string guitar, heading into a new world. –John Renbourn