Primary Instrument: Various
The New Standards are John Munson (of Trip Shakespeare and multi-platinum Semisonic) on bass, Chan Poling (founder of the seminal 80’s haute-punk-pop group The Suburbs) on piano, and Steve Roehm (Billygoat, Electropolis) on vibes. This unique minimalist trio was formed in 2005 by three friends and consummate performers with the idea of playing their favorite songs unplugged, but with the opportunity to enhance the inherent attributes of the tunes with as wide a range of interpretation as they saw fit: from the plainest rendition to an all out swinging nuttiness. With their natty suits and their unique jazz, rock, soul and pop chops, The New Standards tell each song’s story in singular style.
The New Standards' “Rock and Roll” follows up their eponymous debut. Focusing more on favorite rock tracks this time, the trio gives the new set a workout that is by turns fiery, soulful, stark and dark. The group lays bare the lovely bones of songs like “Maps” by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and “Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service while swinging through modern punky classics like The Replacements “Androgynous,” The Velvet Underground's “Rock and Roll” and The Clash's “London Calling.” Fans of the band will be happy to finally hear recordings of their arrangements of “Hey Ya” by Outkast and Britney Spears’ “Toxic.”
The New Standards are regulars at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater in New York City and have been featured in The New York Times and been pick-of-the-week in Time Out/New York, they’ve played Europe and China, and in their hometown Minneapolis/St. Paul regularly sell out their Dakota Jazz Club multiple show stands as well as the 1000+ seat Fitzgerald Theater in St, Paul with their Annual New Standards Christmas Show. Don’t miss what the Minneapolis Star Tribune calls “one of the most fun bands out there now” when they come to your town!
“The New Standards are making waves...” NPR
“...unexpected and cool... This minimalist odd trio embarks on an intimately wrought travelogue of true standards and exquisitely rendered contemporary selections...” AMPLIFIER MAGAZINE
“The natty boys of the New Standards have made a practice of dressing up punk and pop classics...” THE NEW YORK TIMES
“All-in-all lovely ... warm and subtle... leaving the listener hoping for future New Standards explorations through the wide world of pop music...” AMAZON.COM
“...a surprisingly sweet blend in the hands of these accomplished local rock gods... we’re feeling the love for these guys.” THE RAKE
“One of the most fun bands out there now...” MPLS. STAR TRIBUNE
