Song Writing Award
ASHEVILLE SONGWRITER RECOGNIZED BY INTERNATIONAL CONTEST
Asheville native Matt Parris recently received the honor of being named Winner by the Song of the Year ( http://www.songoftheyear.com/ ) songwriting contest. Song of the Year is an international songwriting contest supporting VH-1?s Save the Music Foundation. The Song of the Year judges are some of the biggest names in music including many Grammy Award winners. Song of the Year is excited to recognize Matt Parris for his exceptional songwriting ability for the song ?Once Again? from Fruit of Choice?s debut album ?Vow?.
Matt competed against songwriters from all over the world for this honor. When asked what inspired the song, Matt commented that, ?it came out of a feeling of the dichotomy between surrendering to a relationship and the need for independence within it. That and bubble wrap.?
Currently Matt is concentrating on his music career while building a team of management, promotion, booking, and distribution personnel that can effectively navigate the independent music business.
You can find more information about Matt Parris by going to fruitofchoice.com
Bio
Fresh, organic, ready for harvest ... Fruit of Choice debut EP ?Vow? is here. Brainchild of writer/performer and Asheville native Matt Parris, Fruit of Choice cultivates a collection of tunes infused with enough variety to satisfy the most demanding and diverse musical palate. Discerning listeners might detect hints of Joni Mitchell, Al Green, shades of Segovia, even tinges of Jeff Buckley and Zeppelin, but above all, Vow serves up a bounty of sound that resonates its own sincerity and originality.
The panel of professional judges at "Song of the Year", including Norah Jones agree. The international songwriting contest recently bestowed its stamp of approval on the song "Once Again" in their latest contest, sending "Once Again" to compete for 2005 Song of the Year. Follow it yourself at www.songoftheyear.com to see if it, ahem, bears fruit.
For Parris, Vow has been a two-year immersion in writing and crafting the many influences of his past. "When I was eight I was walking down an old country road with my grandma and found a tape of Prince?s Controversy in the weeds. What are the chances? I don?t know, but I wore that tape out. That Christmas I got Iron Maiden?s Piece of Mind and Don McLean?s American Pie. I loved those just as much, and those completely different artists kind of represent the range of possibilities I wanted to explore with Vow." And that he does, with a distinctive voice that openly shares thoughtful, reflective lyrics and a tapestry of electric and acoustic guitar work that knows precisely when to strike and, as importantly, when to retreat.
"Range" understates the world-class talent joining Parris on Vow. All eleven tracks are graced with River Guerguerian's masterful percussion. The tune "I'm Free" epitomizes his touch ... bold and intricate, yet unhurried and consistent. A highly respected musician, Guerguerian has performed and recorded with the diverse likes of Ziggy Marley,Gipsy Kings, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Tan Dun, and NewBand/Harry Partch Ensemble. Chris Rosser's work on keys adds an airy dimension to the tunes "No Less Broken" and "Walking Away." At times, Rosser's keys resonate subtly but still manage to make the mix breathe and transition so evenly. Also a prolific producer, Vow co-production and co-engineering credits go to Rosser. Bassist Grant Cuthbertson rounds out the Fruit of Choice rhythm equation. His thick and flowing grooves on "Angel" and "Asking Tomorrow" leave no doubt Cuthbertson knows exactly where he's going, making it a joy to join him on the ride. And hey diddle diddle, Joe Ebel's fiddle just plain works on Vow. His tasteful texturing on tunes like "Once Again" sings get-down rather than hoe-down, and obviously perked panelist's ears at Song of the Year.
Innovative and varied tunes, award-winning songwriting, and highly-accomplished talent certainly make Fruit of Choice one of the freshest choices on Asheville's music market.
One last thought. Don't press stop before your Vow bonus track boots up. It offers another poignant taste of the genre-bending diversity that is Fruit of Choice.