Hip-hop and Jazz go hand in hand with Koi Child

As the seven-man band assemble on the stage, I’m excited and curious.

Left of centre, there are three jazz heavy-hitters: trombone and, not one but two saxophones. On the other side: drummer, guitarist, keyboards. In the centre sits chief lyricist, waiting to enter the fray.

I’ve been excited and curious about Koi Child ever since I heard they combined hip-hop and jazz. It seems like an obvious combination now that I think of it, but until now I hadn’t really heard much of this genre other than The Roots.

Koi Child didn’t disappoint – they dish out the energy of hip-hop alongside the unpredictability of a jazz improvised jam.

Throughout their show each element gets their solo: One moment Kevin Parker is embracing the stage, arms out, shooting out his sharp, fast rhymes. The next moment is owned by the saxophonists and trombonist, who takes care not to whack keen audience members in his fervour.

This is a band for those who like to mix it up, where both rhymes and melodies lead you down a road and then throw you off the track.