Artist description A product of their influences, the Fresh Batch transcends genre labels by combining what they know and creating what they have... pure music for music listeners and those that want to hear truth and love in music.

Music Style Funk, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, World

Musical Influences The Roots, Primus, RHCP, James Brown, Bob Marley, Miles Davis, Jamiroquai, Fishbone, Mos Def

Similar Artists G-Love and Special Sauce, Black Eyed Peas, The Roots

Artist History All the members hail from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Bassist/Songwriter Steve "Slap" Sommers met up with Drummer Jason Schadel their freshman year and began playing two years later casually, then in a Primus coverband which became quite popular. Desiring to play originals, they searched for a guitarist to no avail. At the end of their search, Mutlu Onaral fell into their laps. Mutlu was known to play covers at bars in the area, and would pack in the crowds with his soulful voice and dead-on guitar playing. Mutlu and Steve got to talking in the company of a mutual friend and realized they shared a common goal for music. Shortly thereafter the three began playing together, finding a chemistry for collaborative songwriting and a tendency for the same style of music. This is where the story is as of now.

Group Members Mutlu Onaral - Guitar and Vocals, Jason Shadel - Percussion, Steve "Slap" Sommers - Bass, Vocals

Instruments Guitar, Bass, Drums

Albums The Rodman Session

Press Reviews The core element of Philadelphia's latest edition to the impromptu Jazz - hip hop market is the Fresh Batch, a multi-layered trio made up of two former computer science majors from Drexel and a Turkish front man who's vocals range from Prince to Stevie Wonder (that boy sure can sing). A sensual sound that is as up front as it is everyday background, clean and well timed. I caught the band at La Tazza 108, in the dungeon folks piled in to see and hear the latest Philadelphia mainstream. The band, a vibe all too familiar, is ahead of its time yet wonderful to listen to. No real gimmicks, just that phat Philadelphia sound which is reminiscent of Muhabla and G-Love. Watch out for more of these guys, as the egg timer snaps. Open the oven, smell and taste a fresh batch of funk. eli scott. phillyscene.org

Location Philadelphia, PA - USA

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