Minnesota stalwarts The New Standards create an intriguing blend of everything from classic cabaret to punk rock. Here, they blend the freedom of jazz with 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.

The New Standards started in 2005 as an off-shoot project. 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.

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.