Akiko Yano
The opening song, "Above the Treetops", is an adaptation of a Cambodian spiritual song; other pieces, such as "Antonia", take influence from Eastern Europe. Japanese pianist and singer Akiko Yano appears on "As a Flower Blossoms", earning the only co-writing credit on the album. Yano had previously collaborated with Metheny on "Good Girl", "Lots of Love", and "Love Life", from her 1991 album "Love Life", and on two Metheny covers: "It's for You" on "Welcome Back" (1989) (which also featured Metheny performing on two additional songs) and "Praise" on "Super Folk Song" (1992). Orchestral arrangements for the album were conducted by Jeremy Lubbock.