Serge Ermoll, son of Sergei Ermolaeff, has talent in his blood. In China, Sergei was a Manchurian born, Russian jazz orchestra leader, and worked as a drummer/musician, building a reputation as one of Shanghai’s more notable orchestra leaders during the 1930’s and 1940’s. While experiencing the onset of the communist revolution in China, Sergei and his wife Xenia (singer/dancer) and son Serge Jr, won passage on the Chan Sha ship migrating to Australia in 1951. From there, Serge was able to grow into the talented role we remember him for today.
He is remembered for both his talent and his larger-than-life personality. Boasting a 5th Dan black belt in karate, and formerly having a day job as a private detective, Ermoll had always been a character, within and beyond his music. The band name “Free Kata” should have been a hint to karate practitioners about his prowess! When we listen to his excellent tracks, we take a moment to remember him… and if you haven’t heard of him before, then welcome! We hope you enjoyed meeting this incredible figure in Aussie musical history.