PIERRE BENSUSAN, the genius of the acoustic guitar, "one of the most unique and brilliant acoustic guitar veterans in the world music scene today", according to the LA Times, makes his annual pilgrimage in Galway this weekend.
Born in Oran, Algeria, in 1957, Pierre has lived most of his life in France. Since his debut album, 1975's Pres de Paris, won the Grand Prix du Disque upon his debut at the Montreux Festival, Switzerland, Pierre has enjoyed international acclaim, won numerous awards, inspired many guitarists (Jon Gomm has called him "a genius", Steve Vai is also an admirer ) and enjoys a devoted and loyal following.
His music fuses traditional Celtic, north African/Middle Eastern, jazz, and rock, and involves high technical ability with a keen sense of melody and beauty. Dan Cohen in Nyack News and Views described his music as "an entrancing, almost hypnotic thing...I was struck by how the aim of each song was to be beautiful."
Bensusan plays Monroe's Live on Sunday November 20. Tickets €18/15 from monroes.ie
