Byron Stripling

Byron Stripling

Review: Stripling evokes nostalgia for New Orleans

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra and featured artist Byron Stripling put on a rousing show featuring the great tunes of New Orleans and the late trumpeter Louis Armstrong on Friday at the Civic Center Music Hall.

Stripling thoroughly enjoyed his time with the orchestra and audience, despite having little sleep after a tumultuous travel schedule and experiencing flu-like symptoms.

"I was raised from a group of performers, and although I am feeling somewhat weak, I feel that the show must go on,” he said to the audience after an explanation as to why he was sitting down versus standing to perform.

After a brief introduction by executive director Edward Walker, the orchestra set the tone with composer Ron Nelson's Americana orchestral work "Aspen Jubilee.”

At the selection's conclusion, Stripling appeared, and the orchestra continued with a melody of Dixieland tunes that evoked the nostalgia of 1930s New Orleans. Although Stripling revealed later that he is feeling somewhat weak, his ability to charm the audience shows no sign of fatigue.

Stripling was a great entertainer as well as a performer, and his vocals emulated charisma and playfulness in such tunes as Armstrong's "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans” and "Sweet Georgia Brown.” He accentuated every syllable, followed by his solo trumpet performances at appropriate times. The orchestra followed suit well with each note.

Between sets, Stripling showed gratitude to Civic Center staff members, the orchestra and Walker for the hospitality and masterful performance. Despite the obstacles he faced, it is Stripling who definitely deserved kudos for giving such a memorable performance.

After intermission and introduction of the orchestra's performances of composer Ferde Grofe's "Mardi Gras,” part four of the "Mississippi Suite” and crowd-favorite "Route 66,̶crowd-favorite "Route 66,” Stripling reappeared, continuing with popular Armstrong melodies such as "What a Wonderful World,” "Hello Dolly,” "Because of You,” "Flat Footed Floogie” and "Ain't Misbehavin'.” It was apparent that Stripling was starting to feel tired as he ended the melody with "When the Saints Go Marching In.” Just as the audience was getting into it, he ended the song a bit too soon, leaving orchestra members feeling a bit rushed to conclude the song.

As an accomplished actor, singer and trumpeter, Stripling successfully completed a challenging task, and his performance may have left some wondering how the concert would have been if Stripling had performed in full form.

— Natasha Washington