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| Matt Savage Crosses 'Jazz Lines' Jazz composer and recording artist, Matt Savage, was selected to write the melody to "I'm Not Afraid, " the theme song for the first Annual AID 4 AUTISM Music Festival benefit on Saturday, May 2nd at Wild Bill's in Atlanta. For the first time, Matt has written an original song to existing lyrics. Singer/songwriter and AID 4 AUTISM founder, Tia Severino, wrote the lyrics to "I'm Not Afraid." Matt then crafted the music. "I'm Not Afraid" also marks the first time Savage has crossed "Jazz lines" to deliver a song that encompasses a myriad of musical genres. He reflects the diverse styles of the artists recorded on the single who will perform with Savage live on May 2nd, including Country newcomer Richie Fields, Spanish siren IreneB and Tia Severino. Renowned Grammy Award-winning producer, Frankie Biggz, (Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Oscar D'Leon, and Kanye West, to name a few) produced "I'm Not Afraid" which will be featured on a special compilation CD, with proceeds benefiting AID 4 AUTISM music scholarships for children on the Autism Spectrum. "I liked the thrill of doing something completely new, for a terrific cause, " says Matt. "I definitely hope this songwriting collaboration will be just the first of many collaborations with other Jazz and Pop musicians." Ranging from Country to Rock, Latin, R&B, Gospel and Jazz, "I'm Not Afraid" may have been a new musical journey for Savage, but it also reflects his own perception about Autism and the fact that it affects children from all walks of life. "I'm proud to support AID 4 AUTISM, " says Savage, "because, for me, it's about securing our children's future for a better tomorrow." He stands behind those words because Autism is also a personal journey for Matt Savage. He himself was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three and taught himself to read music at the age of six. By age seven, Matt had discovered Jazz and, after studying for three years at the New England Conservatory of Music, recorded his first solo album in 1999. His second solo album was released in 2000. Now 16, Matt recorded his last six albums, including his most recent CD, "Hot Ticket: Live in Boston, " with the Matt Savage Trio. Matt is also actively supporting the future of children with Autism by working with students to provide musical education as part of a pilot program with the Boston Conservatory of Music and AHEF: Autism Higher Education Foundation (www.autismhighereducationfoundation.org). For the last year, Matt has been working with students of all ages. He currently serves on the Scientific/Educational Advisory Board as a consultant for the instructors to find new and innovative ways to reach children through music. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |