Album Notes

\"An achingly beautiful set of wordless songs\" -Intermission- “The cello reaches to the depth of your soul… and accents the emotion with sound as it hits the flows, making it a visible, tangible object.” -J.Apperson- This is Mitsu Saito’s second CD since he released the first one “Finding The Way” (http://cdbaby.com/cd/micello). All music in this CD is his original composition. He is a recipient of “Meet the Composer” grant from Mid-America Arts Alliance program (2003). Mitsu Saito grew up in Tokyo where he received classical cello training from Mr. Yoshio Sato (One of two Japanese students of Pablo Casals). His composition and improvisation are influenced by Astor Piazzola, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Sergio Mendes, Bill Evans as well as classic composers such as Satie and Ravel. He grew up listening to French music such as Edith Piaf, his mother\'s favorite music, as lullabies. After he moved to US, he expanded his music vocabulary from classical to jazz and improvisational music. I thank talented musicians who participated in this project. This CD can not be made without them. Their creativities were clearly heard in their solos and their accompaniments. Ms. Carolyn Day played a Piano in “Your Departure”, “Rendezvous”, “Play Ground” and “Till Morning Breaks”. Ms. Christina Jones played a piano in “The Way I was”, Quiet Morning” and “Now I can See”. Mr. Chip Katz played a guitar in “Offering” and Prayer”. He not only shared with us his wonderful talent in playing but also allowed his original tune “Dancers” for me to improvise. The improvised tune is now called “Offering”. Mr. Walker McClellan played a guitar in “Papillion” and “Our Land”. I dedicated “Our Land” to 9/11 victims. Mr. Pete Ruthenburg did recording and mixing for the entire project. Reviews: I listened to it last night as I was driving around doing errands after work- it was perfect for the cloudy, drizzly evening and me being pretty tired. I just popped it in and went- much of the time it was background music to keep me calm on the roads but often I was drawn into listening to it and saying \"wow- this is good!\" Since I am a former pianist I also appreciated the talents of your pianists - you guys meshed well together. -Alice (November 2007) Last night I finally got to listen to the CD. My congratulations to Mitsu on creating such a wonderful collection of music. I found the music to be so serene and peaceful.... much like the photograph on the CD\'s cover. I shall play \"Till Morning Breaks\" many many more times. - Judy Johnson ( November 2007) \"An achingly beautiful set of wordless songs\" - Intermission - Saito\'s cello has dark tones, and his technique can dazzle; his hand-drumming is solid and inventive. \"The overall feel is meditative, something that could succeed on a label such as Windham Hill or Green Linnet. -Chris King (The Riverfront Times April 8-14, 1998). Mitsu Saito\'s cello work is subdued, beautiful and technically perfect on this recording. He\'s an adventurous cellist who plays everything from classical to jazz but he kept the reigns in with much success on this recording.\" - Julie Glavin -Intermission, December, 1999 Choreographer Dawn Karlovsky played the muse for cellist Mitsu Saito\'s mesmerizing strains in the breathtaking \"Nine Minutes.\" As if pulled across the stage by his music, Karlovsky\'s arms massaged the air in limpid arcs as her legs unfolded into lush lunges and extensions. Although Karlovsky maintained utter control over her bird-like arm designs and silky turns, she appeared to surrender to Saito\'s powerful music. - Brenda Shoss ( ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, July 12, 2000). He\'s listened to his minimalists, but there\'s clearly a place for Vaughan Williams as well. ... - Sally Cragin (RiverFront Times 49, October 25-31, 2000). Play Making Candy by James Maguire at St. Marcus Theater January 29,30 February 5,6 The best part of the play was the music performed by Mary Ann Russum on conga-like drums and Mitsu Saito on cello. It was fascinating and engrossing, some of the best live music I\'ve heard in St. Louis.\" -Russ Thomas (Intermission, March 1999)- Yoga dance & Yoga contact -The cello reaches to the depth of your soul.......The timber of the cello rises creating a gentle excitement.... The cello accents the emotion with sound as it hits the flows, making it a visible, tangible object. -Jeannette \'jet\' Apperson, Midtown Arts Center, March 19, 1999 April 3, 1999