The New Standards

“What a terrific combo. Everything they do is a surprise.” – Greil Marcus

The New Standards started in 2005 as an off-shoot project between Minneapolis-based musicians and friends Chan Poling (piano), Steve Roehm (vibes), and John Munson (bass). Since then, TNS has grown into a globe-spanning adventure, filling theaters and clubs around the world. Additionally, they have created several albums, videos, cartoons, dance/theater projects, and ancillary gewgaws that have charmed and delighted faithful fans.

The three core members of The New Standards all come from illustrious Twin Cities bands. Chan Poling founded the seminal punk/new wave band The Suburbs. John Munson was an original member of Trip Shakespeare and the chart-topping Semisonic. And Steve Roehm started on drums in the Texas punk outfit Billygoat and the avant-jazz Electropolis.

All three are fans of great songwriting. However, they sensed a lack of an interesting jazz trio repertoire beyond the usual “old standards”. Thus, they got together originally to play and sing their favorite songs from every era, particularly post-1960s pop music. Familiar tunes in a stripped-down acoustic setting, leaving room for solos and arrangements with the freedom of jazz. Yet, they never fully abandon the modest soul of pop and rock.

Another thing: though you may associate an acoustic tango version of Britney Spears’s “Toxic” with camp, TNS is not a lounge or novelty act. One listen to their music reveals that they take their music-making as well as their jobs as entertainers seriously.

And yet, they are very funny.

LEARN MORE: http://www.thenewstandards.com

Recommended for Fans of Matt Wilson and his Orchestra, The Twilight Hours, The Suburbs and Dylan Hicks