About tonight's artist, Leo Kottke wrote "Pierre’s music gives me the shakes. No other guitarist shares his strange gifts of sophistication,accessibility and downright joy. Even at its most complex, Pierre’s music only needs ears to be enjoyed." If “world music” is music that pays tribute to the spirit of a collection of human beings through distinct rhythms, traditional instruments and harmonic colors, Pierre Bensusan can be recognized as one of the most eloquent and diverse world musicians of our time. While it is true that his name has been synonymous with the guitar, Bensusan is more than what any music lover expects from a guitarist. He is a composer. He is a bilingual and a brave improvisational vocalist, melding whistles and resonant low notes with something like his own scat technique. Born in Oran, French-Algeria, in 1957, when France was decolonizing its Empire, Bensusan's family moved to Paris when he was 4. He began studying piano at age 7 and at 11 taught himself guitar. Now with more awards under his belt than any 4 other musicians, Bensusan gifts us with a rare and long awaited performance performance after a 7 year absence from IMT.

• www.pierrebensusan.com