Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Guitar Hero (Pierre Bensusan)

I first heard virtuoso French guitarist, composer, and singer Pierre Bensusan play live in Cambridge in approximately 1980. My dad brought me as he knew Pierre, having arranged for his first North American concert in the mid-70s (held at UMass-Boston's then new Harbor Point campus). The guy blew me away with his shimmering open tunings and effortless fingerpicking compositions.  Wow.  He has since toured the world many times over and established himself as one of the top fingerstyle guitar players/composers out there with 13 albums to his credit, his own signature Wyre guitar strings, and no fewer than three signature guitar models, including a beautiful Lowden that lists for only $8425!  He was named "Best World Music Guitar Player in 2008" by Guitar Player Magazine Readers Choice.  If you are unfamiliar with Pierre's playing and passion for teaching check out his YouTube channel.

Now you can spend a summer week in France learning at the feet of the master at Pierre and his wife's renovated 1830 stone farmhouse in Champagne country within an hour of Paris.  This music retreat, open to amateur and professional fingerstyle guitarists from the world over, has sold out for 2012, so Pierre has added another week August 25th to 31st.  Only seven of ten spots remain so you may want to start booking your flights now!

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