THE MUSIC SCENE
Another Guitar Great Honors Us With A Show Musical ambassador plays the small scene Rhythm And Lyricism Thomas Csorba returns to Chattanooga this Saturday at 7 p.m. at The Woodshop on St. Elmo Avenue. Csorba brings classic Americana into 2020 with a country-tinged folk sound that’s exactly what’s been missing from the modern music scene. Csorba’s voice is filled with Southern drawl and a handful of gravel, which perfectly complements the music he creates. His music fills you with all the bittersweet feelings that life itself brings, with a lyrical depth that’s on par with the likes of Leonard Cohen and Hank Williams. People are often surprised to learn the artist behind such deep and meaningful songs is only twenty-two years old but, with lyrical inspirations like Walt Whitman and Mark Twain, it’s really no surprise. In fact, Csorba often gets inspiration from the literature he reads; more recently, he cites award-winning Irish playwright Conor McPherson as an influence. In the aftermath of the devastating storms in middle Tennessee, Csorba says, “All proceeds from the show are going to help with Tornado Relief in Nashville. Hoping to bring together folks in Chattanooga to help out our Nashville friends.” Tickets are just $10 at the door, so bring your friends and come see a fantastic performance to help benefit our Tennessee family. — Halley Andrews
P
IERRE BENSUSAN, YOU KNOW HIM, OR YOU don’t. If you know him, there’s nothing I can add to the wonder and respect you already feel for the man who is consistently referred to as one of the world’s greatest living guitarists. If this is your first time hearing the name, well, take off your coat, relax, and sit a spell while we get caught up. By Marc T. Michael Pulse Music Editor
Born in French-Algeria in 1957, Pierre began his formal musical education (on piano) in Paris at the age of seven. Enamored by
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the folk revival in Western Europe and America, Pierre would go on to teach himself guitar a few years later, sign his first recording deal at seventeen, and release his first album a year later, winning the Grand Prix du Disque at Montreux.
His career has been on a perpetually upward trajectory ever since. The list of accolades and awards Pierre has claimed worldwide is expansive, including the title “Best World Music Guitar Player” from Guitar Player magazine and numerous “Album of the Month/Year” designations. In 2013 his album Intuite came in second place as “Best Acoustic Album of All Time” in Spain. There’s more, much more, but the point is made that Bensusan has, with grace and humor, earned his place as one of the greatest of all time which brings an extra level
