Since the mid-1970s Pierre Bensusan's name has been synonymous with contemporary acoustic guitar genius. Working in open tuning with his steel strings tuned to the modal, mystical-sounding DADGAD, Pierre is a composer, singer, and acoustic guitar visionary of passionate intensity with an extraordinarily tender, joyful touch. His unique musical sensibility combines ethnic folk themes and classical melodies as well as free and fusion styles with Latin and North African rhythms and vocals in the world jazz scat tradition that evoke comparisons to Brazilian maestro, Milton Nascimento.

Born in Algeria and raised in Paris, Pierre won the Grand Prix at the 1976 Montreux Festival when he was 18 years old with his first recording, Pres de Paris. Since then, he has toured throughout the world and released numerous albums, establishing himself as a distinctive and influential fingerstyle guitarist.

Tonight Pierre highlights compositions from his recent CD, Altiplanos (Favored Nations), a gorgeous selection of striking originals that are supple, robust, and infinitely evocative.

Vocal and guitar duo Ayumi & Giles open tonight's show.