The Edmonton Muse June 2017 | Page 38

Martin Kerr 'Wows' The Winspear

-Shauna Specht-

It is heartening to see a full venue for a local musician, and even more so when that venue is

Edmonton’s majestic Winspear Center. Locally based singer-songwriter, Martin Kerr, played to a full house on May 24, promoting his upcoming album, “Better than Brand-New,” set to be released later this month.

Originally from England, Martin Kerr is settled with his young family, in Edmonton, where he has entertained from street corners to concert halls for years. One might be tempted to call him one of Edmonton’s best kept secrets, but if the size of audience Kerr can attract is any kind of indication, the cat is, indeed, out of the bag. This former Canadian Idol semi-finalist really knows how to draw a crowd, keep them spellbound, and leave them feeling fully uplifted and

inspired.

If filling the Winspear is a testament to the calibre of singer, songwriter and performer as Martin Kerr has come to be known, then making the venue feel small and intimate surely speaks to his character – the sort of welcoming kindness and easy demeanour, to make an individual audience member feel personally welcomed to such a special evening (and a special evening it was). His locally sourced, top-notch, eight-piece band and large backing choir provided a rich and full backdrop for Martin’s vocals, strong and pure, but tender. His beautiful falsetto was well exemplified in “Reaching,” where warm cello and haunting lead guitar were the perfect complements to his longing-filled vocals.

Martin Kerr is a songwriter with something to say, and the eloquence to express it beautifully.

Writing from his experience, his heart and his conscience, he speaks as a parent, a struggling

singer-songwriter, a world citizen and a humble man, holding the listener attentive, while

reaching them directly at the heart. Between personal anecdotes, from the moving to the amusing, Kerr shared songs inspired by his own journeys and experiences, the people he has met and the stories that have touched him, from the family he got to know while working in Beijing as a young man (as “the world’s worst kindergarten teacher”, by his own description), to how moved he was by the young Syrian boy, close in age to his own son, found, tragically, on a

Canadian shore. His thought provoking lyrics implore the listener to not be hardened with age,

in “My Old Shoes,” to hold onto their dreams, in “The Update,” and to appreciate the unique

brilliance in everyone, in “Undiscovered Geniuses.” Kerr’s cover songs for the evening included a breathtaking version of Prince’s “Nothing Compares to You.” Be sure to listen for his infectious new single, “Not in Stores,” that had us all singing along.

Two special guests added to this memorable evening. Singer-songwriter, teacher, mentor and

beloved host of CJSR’s “It Takes a Village,” Rhea March, initially declined his offer for her to open the show, suggesting he offer the spot to a young up-and- comer instead, but Kerr’s mind

was set. With March’s Sunday night song stage (currently hosted at The Almanac) having played

host to Kerr’s first Edmonton performance, it felt appropriate for his Edmonton journey to come full circle, with March as guest opener for his show. Usually on the sidelines, mentoring and supporting some of the Edmonton area’s finest young talent, Rhea’s moment in the spotlight was nothing short of engaging and delightful, her warmth and generosity shining through.

The second special guest, also one of Martin Kerr’s backup singers for the evening, was locally known and loved singer-songwriter and performer, Paul Woida. Speaking of up-and- comers, multiple competition winner, Woida, is well on his way, even having opened for Meghan Trainor. His brief performance at the start of the Kerr’s second set of the evening was memorable, inspiring and an absolute treat. With Kerr having imposed the caveat of no use of

loop pedals (usually a trade mark element of a Woida performance), he effortlessly taught the audience to beautifully accompany him in harmony, and achieved is big sound nonetheless.