"Pierre Bensusan, then only 17 years old, recorded this gem which was awarded the prestigious "Grand Prix du Disc" at the 1976 Montreux Jazz Festival. Despite his age, Bensusan was already a veteran of the european folk scene, and right from the very beggining he wasn't afraid to incorporate diverse musical heritages to his own personal vision. Ever the seeker, Bensusan not only developed a very peculiar playing technique and gained proficiency in alternate tunings (being the Davy Graham-DADGAD his trademark), but also a highly developed compositional sense. The delicacy of his touch, the rich filigranes, the unlimited resources of his creativity are all present in this CD. Begin with this one, and if you can believe it's possible, be prepared to hear his next offerrings. Yes, he DID manage to get BETTER. A true genius."
Passion.
Robert Lunte | Seattle, WA USA | 07/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pure perfection! It simply is, one of the greatest finger-style, guitar albums ever.You cant go wrong, and it cant be matched in chops, writing and passion.Bensusan, is considered one of the greatest guitarists in the world so you will get an earfull of great acoustic guitar picking....he also vocalizes over some tunes occassionally (80% instrumental 20% w/vocals), typically folksy lament in French or pure abstract scatisms....now imagine a Frenchman scatting over solo guitar with a celtic flavor, at the highest degree of beauty and technique.......Considered a leader in Celtic interpretations as well, playing exclusively in the DADGAD tuning......you have Bensusan."
Outstanding! Bensusan has a style that no artist can match.
09/04/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bensusan is a true folk bard. His lyric voice and haunting guitar are mesmerizing. Even if you don't speak French, the inflection he gives his lyrics creates a tale we can all understand. Theres is an old Irish ballad on this album called "The Town that I Loved so Well". It will bring tears to your eyes."
Iconic troubadour
Catherine Arrese | Australia | 08/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pierre Bensusan's music has such an outsdanding depth, with a great guitar and rich voice, so well suited to the troubadour style of this album."
Best acoustic album ever
Jeff Khan (jeffk@gsm.udallas.edu) | Dallas, Texas | 10/20/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is rare to pay for a CD and actually get more than a few good cuts. Every cut on this CD is a gem. I play acoustic guitar and have a pretty good collection of music but nothing that is as clean and bell-like as Pierre's guitar on this CD. "The town I loved so well" is alone worth the price. Pure acoustic genius."