Beginning of the Light is the second album from pianist/composer Eri Saito. Released in 2016, the album contains eight original piano solos composed and played in a graceful, leisurely style. Born and raised in Osaka, Japan, Saito started classical piano lessons at the age of five. She was inspired to become a professional pianist after seeing Keith Jarrett perform in concert in Tokyo when she was sixteen. Shortly after high school, Saito started her career as a pianist performing solo at hotels and weddings as well as for gigs with other musicians. When she was 20, she received a scholarship from the Berklee College of Music and moved to the US as a student. Along with her composition and theory classes, Eri studied music therapy, allowing her to experience first hand how music can soothe and heal people both physically and mentally.

Beginning of the Light creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both pleasant and relaxing. I wish the album had been engineered with a wider dynamic range as it all seems to be played at about the same volume, which is surprising with Saito’s extensive training. I also find several of the pieces to be much too repetitive with phrases played over and over rather than developing an idea and expanding and/or varying it. Saito has some excellent musical ideas and a lovely touch, so there is plenty of potential there.

The album begins with “Infinite Sky,” a graceful piece with a gently rocking rhythm and a dreamy melody. “Color of Memories” begins in the upper octaves of the piano. Most of the melody stays in the higher ranges, while the left hand plays a repeated pattern that moves around the bass clef. I really like the first minute or so of “Wander Off,” but then it repeats the same eight bars too many times. “See You In My Dreams” expresses a bittersweet feeling of longing and is one of the tracks that I like best. “Sparkle In the Dark” is my favorite on the album. Somewhat mysterious in places, this one has more variety in the left hand patterns as well as in the melody. “Serenity” brings the album to a peaceful, calming close.

Beginning of the Light shows a lot of promise. A more expressive piano and a little more variety in the music would make a huge difference! The album is available from Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby.