The New Standards

Minnesota stalwarts The New Standards create an intriguing blend of everything from classic cabaret to punk rock, from the freedom of jazz, to the soul of pop and rock. They make it work through offbeat humor and sheer musicianship. The instrumentation is simple: John Munson of Trip Shakespeare/Semisonic fame on bass; Chan Poling, founder of the new-wave group The Suburbs on piano; and Steve Roehm on vibes. Chan and John split the singing. A footstomp here, a shout-out there, a fiery solo, and it’s cooked. Simple, elegant, illuminating.

Chan Poling: Piano, Vocals

John Munson: Bass, Vocals

Steve Roehm: Vibraphone

The New Standards is a “revelatory” (StarTribune) Twin-Cities-based trio with a global following. Formed in 2005 as an off-shoot project between three Minneapolis-based musicians and friends, The New Standards has grown into a globe-spanning adventure — filling theaters and clubs and spawning several CDs, videos, cartoons, and dance and theater projects that have charmed and delighted an ever-multiplying legion of faithful fans.