Matt Savage Trio to perform in Nashua at DWC

THE Matt SAVAGE Trio, featuring teenage piano virtuoso Matt Savage, bassist John Funkhouser and drummer Steve Silverstine, will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Daniel Webster College’s Collings Auditorium in Eaton-Richmond Hall.

Despite his struggles with autism, Savage has found peace in music, playing venues across the United States, from the famed Blue Note and Birdland Jazz Clubs in New York City, and sharing stages with high-profile acts such as Shawn Colvin and Chaka Khan.

MATT SAVAGE

Savage recorded his first CD in 1999 in collaboration with his instructor at The New England Conservatory to raise money for autism research and his second in 2001.

Having played with the likes of Dave Brubeck and Chick Corea, the teenager was 9 when he joined with John Funkhouser and Steve Silverstein in the Matt Savage Trio. In 2001, the trio released its first CD, “All Jazzed Up” and followed it up with “Groovin’ on Mount Everest” the following year, “Chasing Your Tail” in 2003 and “Cutting Loose” in 2004 — and performed across the globe.

The teenager, who was signed by Bosendorfer pianos in 2003, opened for Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Shawn Colvin in 2003, performing a duet with her at the encore. He also played The Kennedy Center that same year for NPR’s live broadcast entitled “Jazz Piano Christmas,” sharing the stage with Arturo O’Farrill, Jason Moran, Stefon Harris, Karrin Allyson and Lynne Arriale.

In 2004 Savage signed a contract with Sony Music Custom Marketing Group/Macmillan McGraw-Hill to allow his recording of his original composition, “Firecracker” to be a part of an educational music program distributed to schools across the country.

Savage received an award at the second annual Chaka Khan Foundation Gala Dinner last May in Beverly Hills, Calif., for his accomplishments in jazz and in community outreach. He performed with Chaka Khan at the dinner, which also honored Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Kenny G.

Recently, Savage won an ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s Award for 2005/2006 for his new composition, “Serenity.” In addition, a documentary featuring Savage and his musical abilities aired on German ARD television as part of a three-part series titled “Beautiful Minds – A Voyage into the Brain.” Plans are under way to translate the program and air it worldwide.

Saturday’s concert will feature a preview of material on the trio’s new CD of cutting-edge jazz riffs and intricate improvisation. The CD will be recorded in mid April and filmed by CNN for an upcoming television special the channel is producing about “Genius,” said Matt’s mother Diane Savage.

Meanwhile, Matt also is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Northfield Tilton Congregational Church, 283 Main St., Tilton. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $12 for children. Form details, call 286-4253.

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $18 for children, students with identification and senior citizens. Tickets including an artist meet-and-greet reception are $36. Call 321-4690 for more information. Tickets also will be available at the door on the night of the show.