Search - Pierre Bensusan :: Spices

Pardon me while I disagree with my predecessors ...

Wayne Scott | Atlantic Beach, Florida | 04/25/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My introduction to Pierre was with this album and Solilai. I found both to be refreshingly different, both from other music in my collection, and from each other. I don't particularly care for track 7. No particular reason, I just don't. I would not categorize this as THE must-have Bensusan over the rest of his discography. I wouldn't care to hear it in an office setting, either ... it's much too lively and varied. It plays like a soundtrack, so put it on when you've 40 or so minutes to spare, and write a screenplay in your head, just for fun ..."

Definitely not his best...

bdsteinke | River Forest, Illinois USA | 01/14/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"but not bad. This album heralds his move away from what he does best (IMHO) and that is arrange and play predominantly Celtic or Celtic influenced compositions. If you are more interested in "New Age" styled music, then this is for you, although I would argue that anything from P.B. is far more rewarding than 99% of what is commonly labeled "New Age". If, on the other hand your interests lean more toward Celtic fingerstyle guitar, start with Solilai (perhaps his best), then go to "2" and/or Early Pierre Bensusan (perhaps THESE are his best?), and if you've found a new love continue on to Musiques and maybe Wu Wei. They are all worthy of purchase, but this order will serve you well, again IMHO. I would also HIGHLY recommend seeing him live as his shows are so beautiful, and if you play guitar, so humbling. Enjoy!"

Early Ensemble Work

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 04/17/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is actually the 1988 debut album of Bensusan's jazz ensemble. In addition to featuring Pierre Bensusan's notable guitar work, the group includes Emmanuel Binet (bass), Denis Benharrosh (percussion), Didier Malherbe (sax), George Al Safi (violin), Frank Sitbon and Mico Nissim (piano & keyboards), and Doatea Bensusan and Shandy Sinnamon (vocals). Some, like Malherbe and Nissim are well known, especially in Europe, but all do solid work backing up Bensusan as well as displaying their individual skills.The range of styles is quite broad as well. For the most part light jazz with a touch of swing is the standard (La Cour Interieure), but you will find dashes of café accordion, funk (Agadiramadan), Celtic (Shi Bhig Shi Mhor), and, just went you've relaxed, an reel or two (The Last Pint). As is usually the case, Bensusan serves up an eclectic mix aimed at pleasing (and showing off) rather than representing a particular trend.Also as usual is Bensusan's strong, thoughtful play. He has never been a guitarist to simplify a melody just to make it more digestible. Instead he relies on his skill as a performance artist to build his popularity. He shows, even on his early albums, the talent which later blossoms into the kind of playing that attracts a wide range of interests and avoids the extremes of shallowness or inaccessibility."