Photo: Brian Geltner

M SHANGHAI  from left:
PATTY HUGHES bass, banjo
GLENDON JONES fiddle, mandolin
AUSTIN HUGHES guitar, resonator
PHILIPPA THOMPSON fiddle, saw, washboard/percussion, bass  
BRIAN GELTNER drums, percussion
HILARY HAWKE banjo, guitar, washboard/percussion, bass
RICHARD MORRIS mandolin, guitar, bass 

M SHANGHAI is a Brooklyn-based folk collective, named after the Asian bistro in Williamsburg that initially hosted the band's monthly residency. M Shanghai's legendary concerts are known for their unbridled joy, raucous energy and subtle intimacy, with all players crowded around one condenser mic "like the faithful taking communion, or sharks smelling blood in the water." 

With an adventurous take on Americana, the “M” are not easily classified; they emphasize distinctive songwriting while retaining the immediacy of classic American roots music: "timeless Americana with a rock & roll soul."
 
Their fifth album Bedlam was co-produced by multiple Grammy winner Damon Whittemore with the title track featured on the A&E hit show Escaping Polygamy. 

Here's what others have to say about M Shanghai:

"Stellar songwriting, beautifully musical arrangements, 
and one of the most arresting live shows I have ever seen.”
Samantha Parton, Be Good Tanyas

"One of the year's best…there isn't a bad song on it."
NY Music Daily
(Review of "Two Thousand Pennies" album)

"First-rate original songs… highly entertaining, like a modern day medicine show."
Tommy Ramone, of the Ramones and Uncle Monk

"Thoroughly contemporary songs, resulting in absolutely timeless music."
Greg Haymes, Albany Times Union

"The best acts are locals M Shanghai, which usually play monthly, proving that New York, nay, Brooklyn is as country as Tennessee."
Village Voice Best of 2011 (Jalopy and M Shanghai)

"A perfect combo of American folk and the music as it stands today... a musical performance that is enduring"
Chris Lewis, Shut Eye
 
"When people think Williamsburg, they think indie rock...how many of you had ever seen a banjo before?" 
John Schaefer, WNYC Soundcheck

"Vigorous, heartfelt acoustic country with all the fixins!"
Time Out New York