Pierre Bensusan

Azwan 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