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If you’re looking for an antidote to the everyday and an alternative to the jazz doldrums, a fresh wind is blowing. Paul Rozmus, bandleader, composer, arranger, producer, keyboardist and solo flutist is an extraordinarily rewarding listen. His nimble instrumental scatting, percussive sensitivity, infectious grooves, sensual energy and intelligent arrangements imbue both his recordings and dynamic live performance with irresistible warmth and charm.

Deliciously rhythmic, melodic and hooky, On The Funky Side encompasses contemporary jazz and r&b, shaded by funk, blues, Latin and pop. “Each of the songs has some kind of different twist, even though they’re related to each other,” reflects Rozmus. “That’s why I picked different musicians for different songs. I wanted variety, yet there had to be a stylistic connection.”

Rozmus has assembled a collection of contemporary jazz and r&b’s most exceptional artists to evoke that delicate balance. Jeff Kashiwa lends soprano saxophone to the album’s first single, “No, No, No… OK!” providing a perfect vehicle for Rozmus’ agile fluting. Freddy Jackson, who has a penchant for collecting No. 1 Hits, delivers a romantic and sensuous version of Rozmus & Gary Walker’s’ “I Miss You,” while guitarist Eric Essix infuses the title track with his signature funk-blues-jazz fusion. (The track has already been picked up on smooth jazz stations in the UK, where London-based Passion Jazz has released On The Funky Side.) Essix also plays and shares production credit on the evocative and sexy “At 2 In The Morning.”

With On The Funky Side, Rozmus has delivered a groundbreaking and break-through project that is literally a breath of fresh air in the sax-saturated world of smooth jazz. Presently, he is touring and performing non-stop with his own Paul Rozmus Band, and is scheduling selected dates with Jeff Kashiwa, Freddie Jackson and Eric Essix in support of his current release. Rozmus is planning to produce a number of instrumental and vocal performers this year, but above all wishes to live out his responsibility as an artist: “to create positive images.” “After all,” he pronounces with deep conviction, “We are creating our future!”

Tracklist:

01. No, No, No... OK! (Feat. Jeff Kashiwa) (4:00)
02. On the Funky Side (Feat. Eric Essix) (5:22)
03. I Miss You (Feat. Freddie Jackson) (4:50)
04. Alligator Walk (4:00)
05. On Sunday Afternoon (3:53)
06. Come To Me (Feat. Renata) (4:24)
07. Sir Mitch (Feat. Sir Mitch) (4:33)
08. At 2 In The Morning (Feat. Eric Essix) (6:14)
09. Cool It Down (Feat. David Johnson) (5:14)
10. Rain Forest (Feat. Eric Essix) (4:42)
11. Let Me Love You Tonight (Feat. Renata) (3:25)