Framingham performer debuts Christian music on CD

By Lisa Gentes

FRAMINGHAM—Paul Savageau is preparing for the release of his first professional recording, a CD titled, “Giving My Heart to You.”

A Framingham resident and member of St. Stephen Parish, his Catholic and Christian music CD will be released June 29. A debut concert will be held at St. Stephen in Framingham June 29 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

“I’ve always loved the teachings of the Catholic Church… and always believed in it,” Savageau said. The musician added that the sacraments and scriptures have had a great influence on his song writing.

“My music reflects that,” he said. “I write a lot about the Sacrament of Matrimony. Much of my music revolves around the challenges Christians face.”

This self-taught musician began his music ministry in the mid-1980s, after his parish priest prompted him to perform at Mass. He has continued his music ministry for the past 20 years and performs every Sunday at the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Stephen.

Savageau never studied music professionally, although music has always been a part of his life. He majored in accounting at Northeastern University and held various financial management positions with high-tech companies. He took this past year off from working in the corporate world in order to devote time to his aspiring Christian music career.

The musician said his ministry is “dedicated to the edification of the universal Church through promotion of my Christian music ministry…” He added that all Christians can relate to the “scriptural, sacramental and inspirational truths that I am conveying to all of God’s people.”

“Whenever I get into a writer’s block, I go back to the sacraments and scriptures and that inspires me,” Savageau said.

He hopes that some of his songs, which he refers to as “wedding music,” will become popular with “newlywed hopefuls.” One song is geared to the wedding Mass and another, “Giving My Heart to You,” a folk rock song, is something that could be played as a first wedding dance, he added.

Savageau noted that the largest population in his age-bracket of baby boomers is “fallen away” Catholics. “I hope my example… will lead some people back to God,” he said.

The performer created his own record label, “Giving My Heart Records,” and hopes not to go back to corporate America.

“I started my own thing,” Savageau said. “I’m taking a shot at it and just leaving it up to God. If He sees the fruits of my labor then I don’t have to worry.”

Many people have helped the local artist with his debut CD, including the parishioners of St. Stephen’s and his family. His brother and two daughters perform on the recording. His daughters, Dee, 19, and Niki, 16, both sing and play the piano on “Giving My Heart to You.” His wife, Diane, painted the watercolor that is used as the CD’s cover design.

Ten percent of his CD sales will be tithed and local CD sales will be donated back to the parish. Savageau’s CD will be available in local stores June 29.