There’s nothing like some hot jazz, a glass or two of red and an intimate, velvety venue to ward off the winter chill … and this sold-out Cabaret Fringe show succeeded spectacularly.

Melbourne-based duo The Wizard & Oz warmed up the crowd before spiky-haired cabaret performer Libby O’Donnell took to the stage to introduce the main act – or, I should say, the appetizer, entrée, main course, dessert and coffee. This was Etype by Request, where audience members were given the privilege of choosing the musical selections from a menu board brandished by our hilarious compere.

Selections offered by the Adelaide-based five-piece ranged from their own original compositions to covers of hits ranging from Neil Diamond’s “Play Me” to Style Council’s “Shout to the Top” and the Shirley Bassey hit “Hey, Big Spender”.

Singer Katrina Ryan’s powerful voice soared on the big ballads but was equally at home with the softer and more soulful songs, and it was impossible not to be in awe of the sexy sax sounds coming from the diminutive Beth Lyon. Completing the band are pianist Brenton Foster, drummer Barnabas Smith and double-bass player Mike Haynes, who clearly relished his chance to shine during the “after-coffee” performance of “Fever”.

It’s easy to see why Etype have sold more than 28,000 albums (one of original songs and two of covers) and won a couple of Australian Live Music Awards. Their live performances are polished, engaging and highly entertaining … a five-course feast for the soul.