Stuart Zaltz

A musical sensibility that transcends the ordinary and a refreshingly exciting spirit seldom finds full expression in one person. It may come as somewhat of a musical shock to see that these attributes have found their way into five very gifted friends called PLATYPI. Founded by writer/guitarist Matt James and drummer Dean Simonsky, PLATYPI has grown to include bassist Devin Fox, keyboardist Isaac Ezer and saxophonist Cameron Britton.
It's as if the musical gods had a design for these five Toronto, Canada natives. Matt had been studying guitar since an early age and found himself in the lead singer/guitar player role with many local bands before meeting Dean in early 2002. Dean, who had been studying drums and percussion with many well-known instructors, was searching for the right situation and found a musical equal in Matt. Realizing the need for some serious bottom end, they recruited bassist Devin Fox and the nucleus of the band was solidified.
The lineup started to fill out as naturally as taking a step. Isaac Ezer, busy studying math and computer science at the University of Toronto, ran into old friends Matt and Dean at a local restaurant and the following evening was performing with them.
Weeks later, Matt met sax man Cameron Britton in the halls of the Humber College Music Building and invited him to jam. There was an instant connection. Cameron's sax playing was the finishing touch that Platypi needed to round out its unique style. The band was set.
As unconventional as their creation, the music that emanates from these five is nothing short of irresistible. Calling on jazz, funk, rock and fusion, PLATYPI delivers a lethal combination of great hooks and memorable melodies. The sum of the parts in this union is far greater than the individuals alone.
The lineup is complete. Five amazingly gifted individuals who somehow found each other and are making incredible music together. They will begin recording their debut CD in July, 2005 for release this fall.