MIKE ZITO Source: Sherman Oaks Sun Date: 05/2008 Writer: n/a

This man doesn’t take anything for granted. He is someone who spent enough years in the wilderness to count every day now as a bonus, and his new songs strike so deep and strong the rough road experiences help him shine bright on everything he touches. Mike Zito writes from the place where close calls almost took him out of the game, but once he found a new footing, he took that second chance and turned it into something almost supernatural. His guitar might be schooled in the blues, but that’s only a taking-off point. From there, he shows a master’s touch at expressing himself, using the instrument as a second voice to take his vocals even further. But, really, it’s on his original songs that the musician makes his ultimate mark. “Love Like This,” “Universe,” “Blinded by the Life” and “Slow It Down,” all have such an overwhelming sense of hope and permanence, it’s obvious Zito has learned what it takes to last--with a voice that captures both the up and the down of life, and a force that takes us there with him. On Today, Mike Zito has created a work that will last forever, just like the spirit that has so obviously saved him. Hooray. (Mike Zito plays Cozy’s in Sherman Oaks on Friday, May 30.)