Funk Rush

“Jazz is the teacher, Funk is the preacher!”

Funk Rush's music is a dynamic blend of funk, form and improvisation, with an emphasis on original compositions and some stylized covers.

Scott Newell (guitar) started his musical life as an elementary school student, playing trumpet in school band and shortly thereafter adding the guitar. Scott grew up under a broad influence of 70's rock, funk, soul, disco and pop music. Later in his 20's he fell under the spell of Miles Davis and all the connections that sprung from the Miles Davis legacy.

Rob Bowser started playing drums at the age of 8 in his hometown of Reading, PA. His early influences were mostly gospel and R&B musicians from the greater Philadelphia area. Rob transitioned into self-taught piano and organ at the age of 17. Now residing in Charlotte, NC he's been a part of several original and cover projects; his more recent influences include popular mainstream and jazz players such as Taylor Eigsti, Cory Henry, Robert "Sput" Searight and Robert Glasper.

Donte Forsythe of the Raleigh, NC area is a relentless groove machine and brings a pocket to Funk Rush it has never experienced with anyone else in the chair. His rock steady time and brilliant yet effortlessly placed accents allow the band to explore new territory as soloists.

Michael Pressley is the most recent member of the band on trumpet. Michael studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and lived in NYC for the last year.

Funk Rush has been heard on WNCW, on-air for their "Live in Studio B" sessions and continues to perform in the Carolinas and southeast region.