"If I could help make someone smile today, then I believe I've fulfilled my worth on earth somehow. This will always be my ultimate objective, simply because I've been granted the opportunity to do so." Spoken with a smile on his own face, Boz, whose given name is Jeffrey P. Bosworth, strives for this message through his company, Island Estuary Music Publishing and Promotion, Inc. in Altamonte Springs, and through his gift of music.The company is "an organization that is committed to the writing, performing and marketing of passionate music with a positive message," Boz explained. "We work with artists of many genres, as long as their message is positive toward the goodwill of all people in this world." He added that this doesn't necessarily need to be Christian oriented.
Boz's interest in music actually started after he saw the Carpenters perform in concert when he was 11 and living near Providence, RI. Boz began to sing along to their songs and, since he didn't have a microphone, he used an Old Spice underarm deodorant container (where was YouTube when we needed it!). He learned to play notes on the guitar
and keyboard and began composing his own songs. His music has the story writing appeal reminiscent of Jim Croce and Harry Chapin, with a contemporary flavor.
Unlike many other musicians, Boz has only performed with three bands throughout his career: Open Channel, The Chosen Few, and Us. He admits that "fan interaction is vital to him feeling comfortable on stage."
Boz is not a typical musician. Taking what he experienced through his many years in the industry, Boz discovered that many independent musicians are taken advantage of because they may lack the business sense that allows them to maneuver through the difficult road to success.
Considering the name of his company, an estuary is the "wide mouth of a river where the salty tide meets the freshwater current." With this effect in mind, Boz has established a respectable approach that can allow new, rising talents to blend in with the mainstream record labels while maintaining their individuality.
Boz and his staff are focused primarily on the Boz LIVE on I-Drive show scheduled for opening next May in Orlando. This is an incredible effort that will feature almost 20 full time players in the Boz band and will be pulling together many choirs and other artists to participate in the program. There will be designated segments that will showcase local, regional and national artists.
Boz is currently seeking sponsors and investors for what he compares to some of the
finest, long-running shows in the country. Designed for a broad audience, Boz Live is intended to draw both local residents as well as the tourist sector.He also recently visited the TD Waterhouse Center in Boston and was impressed that the food was good, the workers were friendly and courteous and that the overall venue provided a pleasant entertainment experience. This is similar to what he is demanding for the Boz Live event.
Committed to giving back to the community and helping those in need, Boz has vowed to donate a portion of the proceeds to area charitable organizations. Boz is not possessed with hype. He has a plan, he has a dedicated staff, and he is determined to bring this show alive.
He writes his music carefully and produces a delicate balance between entertaining his listeners while inspiring them at the same time. The Boz slogan, "Music that Matters," is an extension of his personal life, and his hope that others will benefit from what he does.
I asked Boz why the local radio stations refuse to air local talents. "Radio is tough and it is so corporate now," he replied. "Radio is not about music, unfortunately, it's about advertising and corporate radio is going to play tunes that will boost their listenership and that is usually driven by major record labels." However, Boz said that "an indy" can break through as long as they have a "long-term, comprehensive business plan in place."
The company chose Altamonte Springs as its home because of its proximity. They can "pull from Daytona and still reach downtown Orlando in less than ten minutes," Boz said.
To learn more about Boz and Island Estuary Music Publishing and Promotion, Inc., visit their website at http://www.islandestuary.com/ or they may be reached by phone at 407-478-3030 and 1-888-418-IEMG (4364).
