Review – Etypejazz

Eytypejazz are a five-part jazz band consisting of Beth Lyon (sax), Mike Haynes (double bass), Katrina Ryan (vocals), Laine Jamieson (piano) and Barnabas Smith (drums). The band has been around for twenty years, with some members coming and going except for founding member and mainstay Beth.

I was excited to go to a show where songs from the 50s and 60s would get played, but what disappointed me was seeing a seating like a typical concert hall when I was hoping to see a dance floor. But as I sat quietly sulking, the musicians came on stage and Katrina began to sing, and I quickly forgot my issues with the dancing space.

They played quite a few songs in the set, including a Marilyn Monroe and a Bert Bacharach medley, and Katrina’s professionally-trained voice did wonders with the material. Likewise, the backing musicians, especially newbie Laine on piano and Beth on saxaphone, made the 50s come alive for me. My only issue was the large number of solos, especially two double bass solos – although by Beth’s confession this was the first time there was two, so let’s forgive them this time. My friend and I, being under-fifty, seemed to be in the minority in the venue, but we were still able to enjoy the scat singing and jazz music from before our time.

All in all it was a nice afternoon, filled with lovely jazz sounds complimented by Katrina’s lovely voice. (With which she was able to hit the high notes like it was child’s play. Believe me, it isn’t, I’ve tried.) The music will definitely make you want to tap your toes, clap your hands or click your fingers, or even sing along if you’re old enough to remember the originals. This was a fun afternoon, with a well-planned performance by a professional act doing a little bit of musical time travel.