Beñat Achiary is one of France's most creative vocalists. Although he's recorded several solo albums, including Basque Music of Today and "Arronoa," Achiary's most impressive work has come with his improvised collaborations with soprano saxophonist Michael Doneda, who he met while working with Tour de France, an ensemble organized by Louis Salves, in the late 1980s. In 1990, Achiary and Doneda formed a trio with avant-garde violinist Alexander Balanescu and a quartet, Terra, with percussionist Le Quan Ninh and hurdy gurdy player Dominique Regef. Achiary and Doneda have continued to work together. Their most recent album, Temps Couche, was recorded with Kazue Sawai and released in 1997. ~ Craig Harris