MP3 Monday is a weekly SmartShanghai column, serving up mp3s from bands living and making music in China (or coming to China, or thinking about coming to China, or whatever). Right click on the links and choose "Save Link As..." to download 'em. Click play to rock 'em.

We're doing another divergence from the rawk this week for MP3 Monday, because some nice guy dropped off a CD at the office that is really quite interesting. The name of the group is ¡°Jazz Folk¡±, and they¡¯re an Australian / American three-piece that¡¯s performing at JZ Club Monday night (tonight) and at Yuyintang on Wednesday.

The group is made up of Peter Scherr on bass (a ¡°long time resident of Hong Kong¡­ committed to bringing creative music to the Asia Pacific region¡±), Matt McMahon on piano and Simon Barker on drums. With a name like ¡°Jazz Folk¡±, you kind of know what you¡¯re getting into. In addition to their own compositions, however, the trio also does covers of Elliott Smith and Nick Drake.

Here¡¯s some tracks off their first CD, recorded in Sai Kung in 2006:

Jazz Folk ¨C Satellite (Elliott Smith cover)

Jazz Folk ¨C Parasite (Nick Drake cover)

Jazz Folk are in the midst of an Asian tour called ¡°Stop the Madness¡±, and will be doing stuff off their latest record as well. Said record features songs by Joni Mitchell and Velvet Underground.

Elliott Smith? Velvet Underground? Sounds pretty neat-o. Make sure you catch them at JZ Club tonight (starts 9pm, no cover) or Yuyintang on Wednesday (starts 9pm, cover 60rmb).

Click here for all the "Stop the Madness" tour dates / locations.

Check out Peter Scherr on the web here. Check out Simon Barker and kimnara records on the web here.

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