For those not in the know, French-Algerian acoustic guitar virtuoso, vocalist and composer Pierre Bensusan, has taken his unique sound to all corners of the globe.

Winner of the Independent Music Award for his triple live album Encore, voted Best World Music Guitarist by Guitar Player Magazine reader’s Poll, winner of the Rose d’Or at the Montreux Festival for his debut album, Bensusan is recognized as one of the greatest guitar players of the 21st century.

During a three year hiatus from international touring, Bensusan began writing exciting new material and perfecting his guitar-playing for this new instrumental CD, the just-released (via Dadgad Music) Azwan.

1. 'Fils de la rose'
2. 'Optimystical'
3. 'Azwan'
4. 'Abeilles'
5. 'Balkangeles'
6. 'Return to Ireland'
7. 'Without You'
8. 'Wee Dander'
9. 'Dia Libre'
10. 'Portnoo'
11. 'Corps vaudou'
12. ''Manitowoc'

This quite mesmerizingly fulfilling new tenth album from Bensusan, opens with the gentle breeze of 'Fils de la rose,' and then follows that up with the up tempo 'Optimystical' and then the lush title track, 'Azwan.'

Another track much in the same vein is 'Abeilles,' which is backed seamlessly by the ornately funky 'Balkangeles' and then the thoughtful magnificence of 'Return to Ireland' is revealed.

The lovely, mid-tempo guitar flow of 'Without You' is also one of my own personal favorites here and that's followed by both the energy of 'Wee Dander' and the orchestrated yearning of 'Dia Libre.'

'Portnoo' is yet another fine example of Bensusan's expert guitar playing and then the album rounds out with the vocalized rock rhythms of 'Corps vaudou,' and comes to a close on the delicate guitar musings of 'Manitowoc.'

"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," Bensusan explains.

"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'."

Official CD Purchase Link

www.PierreBensusan.com