Renowned acoustic guitarist Pierre Bensusan returns to the valley on Sept. 14 for a performance sponsored by Cascadia Music at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp, starting at 7 p.m.
The appearance will feature compositions from Bensusan’s 2020 album “Azman.”
Bensusan appeared in the Methow Valley in 2017, when the News noted that “he blends his own Algerian-French heritage and his voracious interest in Irish, classical, and folk and traditional styles in a unique and distinctive style.”
Bensusan was born in Algeria and his family moved to Paris when he was 4. He started learning the piano at age 7 and had taught himself guitar by age 11. He started winning awards at age 18 with his very first album, which snagged the Grand Prix du Disque in France. In the years since, he has won everything from “Best World Music Guitar Player” to “Best Live Album” to “Best Acoustic Album of All Times” for his complex and highly original compositions and adaptations.
Bensusan’s influences include the folk revival in the 1960s and his rich personal musical heritage, which he combines in an uncommonly innovative style. In addition to fingerstyle acoustic guitar, Bensusan straddles genres in his vocals, which are peppered with scat singing drawn from jazz tradition as well as whistles and improvisational vocalizations.
Advance tickets are $22 at www.cascadiamusic.org; or $25 at the door. There is no reserved seating. Call (509) 997-0222 or email cascadiamv@gmail.com for information.
