Kerry Stratton

by: John Smith
May 23rd 2007

Over the years, Kerry Stratton has become a familiar and well-loved figure for concert goers in the Orillia area, largely from his many musical contributions to the Orillia Concert Association. Thus it was that a large crowd gathered at the Opera House on Sunday afternoon to hear Kerry and the Palm Court Orchestra. When the musicians assembled on stage, it became clear that this was to be an orchestral concert with a difference: there was a single cello, a solitary string bass and a drum set perched at the front of the stage. Back in the woodwind section, the clarinet players had saxophones on which to double.

The concert master directed the tuning of the ensemble, and then we awaited the arrival of the maestro himself. Shouting a classic “A-one, a-two, a-one-two-three-four” intro, Kerry literally bounded onto the stage, and the music began.

historic arrangements from archive of Paramount Theatre

First on the program was the well known song, Puttin’ on the Ritz., which the orchestra played to perfection, capturing the delicate, bouncing style of a Fox Trot in a way that is seldom heard these days, and it set the tone for the rest of the Palm Court’s presentation. As Kerry explained, these arrangements came from the archive of the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, California where they had been used in the days of silent movies. Indeed, we were treated to waltzes, the Charleston, a tango, novelty numbers, other fox trots, and a couple of pieces of light classical music, all played in a historically correct, subtle and lyrical style. Conspicuously absent were the booming bass lines and pounding percussion that are characteristic of the scoring in modern day Mega Musicals that one might attend in Toronto or New York.

percussionist impressive

Various musicians were featured as soloists, including the percussionist in the novelty number, Nola. His talents on the xylophone were commendable, but actually his ability to play several instruments in rapid succession, or sometimes at the same time, was particularly impressive.

'evergreens' a rare treat

Two of the light classical selections were Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz, and Von Suppe’s Light Cavalry Overture. You know, there is a reason why these pieces have become “evergreens”, as they are so lovely to the ear, and yet how often do we have the chance to hear them live? In years of concert going, I may have heard the Strauss once and the Von Suppe, never.

Kerry himself the best part of the concert

Perhaps the best part of the concert came from Kerry himself. If you know him at all, you will remember that he is a seemingly bottomless fount of anecdotes and stories about the composers, musicians and audiences of the time, told in his inimitable manner. He had the audience roaring with laughter one moment, and on the verge of tears the next. With the combination of the music and Kerry, it made for a very entertaining afternoon. We have a friend who has come out of concerts saying, “It was good, but there wasn’t a darn tune we knew.” Such a thing couldn’t be said about this one. In fact, if anything, I would have enjoyed hearing the group venture into some less familiar ground, but I can assure you, most everyone came out of the Opera House humming a favourite melody.

Kerry Stratton back for 2007-2008 OCA Season on sale now

The Palm Court Orchestra’s presentation was the last in the 2006-7 season, the 60th anniversary of the Orillia Concert Association ... and… you guessed it, Kerry Stratton, this time with the Czech Philharmonic. Don’t miss out: call 325-1757 for more information today.

Original article from Artsbeat-Huronia

previous Salon review click here
March 26th, 2006

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