Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Asheville native Matt Parris of the band Fruit of Choice 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.” - VH-1's Save the Music Foundation
What’s your fruit of choice? Just to be difficult I’ll take tomato. Fruit of Choice however chooses folk, ‘70’s soul, and rock as their poison blending each together to forge their own nu-folk rock that has Americana written all over it. “Once Again” garnered songwriter Matt Parris the honor of winning the Song of the Year contest, an international affair that supports VH-1’s Save the Music Foundation. While “Once Again” might be the most recognized track on “Vow”, I’d dare to say that it’s not the best as “Something True”, the album opener might take that honor. All in all, each track is unique and offers a compelling glimpse in to Fruit of Choice and their dynamic talented songwriting quintet.
- Smother.net
Discography
Fruit of Choice "Vow"
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Fresh, organic, ready for harvest ... Fruit of Choice debut EP ‘Vow’ hits the shelves of your local music-mart this week. 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? 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 twelve 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. Join the band in Asheville on August 13 at Sky People Gallery to celebrate the release of Vow. A regional tour will follow, including both full-band dates and more intimate acoustic performances.
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.
Links
