News Summary
French jazz guitarist Pierre Bensusan is celebrating half a century of musical achievement with a North American tour titled ‘One Guitar, One Voice.’ Following performances in Europe and China, he will be bringing his unique style and improvisational skills to venues across the U.S. and Canada, including stops at the Chalfonte Theatre in Elk Rapids and the Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids. Bensusan continues to evolve as an artist, using DADGAD tuning to create an emotional connection with his audience.
Elk Rapids, Michigan — French jazz guitarist Pierre Bensusan is celebrating an extraordinary milestone in his career, marking 50 years of musical excellence with a U.S. and Canada tour titled “One Guitar, One Voice.” After already performing in Europe and China, Bensusan will bring his captivating performances to audiences in North America, showcasing his unique style and improvisational skill set.
Bensusan’s tour includes an upcoming performance at the Chalfonte Theatre/Elk Rapids Cinema in Elk Rapids on August 28, followed by a show at the Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids on August 29. Tickets for the Elk Rapids show are priced at $25, while tickets for the Grand Rapids performance are also available for $25 for a 7:30 p.m. start time. As part of this tour, the multi-genre musician aims to connect emotionally with his audience through his innovative sound.
Despite celebrating five decades in the music industry, Bensusan remains committed to learning and evolving as an artist. He emphasizes that each performance is unique, enabling him to express his inner artistry through spontaneous improvisation. His work incorporates elements from various genres, including pop, folk, Celtic, and new age, prominently featuring his DADGAD tuning, which lends a mystical and romantic quality to his music.
Bensusan’s journey in music began at the tender age of 6 when he started playing the piano, and by the age of 11, he transitioned to the guitar. His debut album, “Près de Paris,” was released when he was just 17 years old and quickly gained recognition by winning the Grand Prix/Rose d’Or at the Montreux Festival. Over the years, Bensusan has released more than a dozen albums, including LPs, DVDs, and digital recordings.
While he has collaborated with various notable artists, such as Didier Malherbe and Donny Osmond, Bensusan often prefers to perform solo, as it allows him to delve deeper into his creative expression. His ability to blend different musical styles has earned him admiration from fellow musicians, including Leo Kottke, Mark Knopfler, and Steve Lukather. He gained further acclaim when he was signed to a label by renowned guitarist Steve Vai, and he has even inspired a piece titled “Bensusan” by the late Michael Hedges.
Bensusan’s influence in the music industry has been acknowledged multiple times, including being voted Best World Music Guitarist in Guitar Player Magazine’s readers’ poll. His preference for DADGAD tuning enhances the atmospheric quality of his music, allowing listeners to experience beauty and compassion in each performance. Through his songs, he seeks to evoke emotions that resonate deeply, reflecting his personal experiences.
The U.S. tour is set to continue across the Midwest and West, with stops planned in cities such as Milwaukee, St. Louis, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona. As Pierre Bensusan embarks on this celebratory journey, his dedication to music and exploration ensures that audiences will be treated to an unparalleled experience, one that blends decades of musical evolution with a genuine connection.
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Additional Resources
- Local Spins: Pierre Bensusan Marks 50 Years
- Wikipedia: Pierre Bensusan
- Something Else Reviews: Pierre Bensusan’s Azwan
- Google Search: Pierre Bensusan
- Local Spins: French Guitarist Bensusan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
