Family and Friends Making Music
to Make You Feel Alright
Story By Karen Tinsley
Photography by Jay Cornwall
Back in 2017, a group of family members and good friends gathered to jam in someone’s basement, when magic happened.
Part of that magic was the age range of the jammers: the youngest had just turned 18; the oldest was, shall we say, well into retirement.
“But the other part of the magic was how quickly our little pickup band jelled and what an incredible sound we made playing together!” recalls Fred Thomas, Border City Brass founder and one of the ‘elders’.
“Before you could say Border City Brass, we were a band. Our frontman extraordinaire Tom Brough has a lot of connections in the corporate world, so some of our first gigs were private parties.”
There’s a quote that’s been attributed to many, but it’s likely a safe bet that it originated with an artist or musician: “If you must make art, you must find a way to pay for it.”
That’s why for decades, it’s more the rule than the exception for musicians to have ‘day jobs’: frontman Tom Brough is an entrepreneur and business owner, trombone player Tom LeClair is a paramedic, Jeff McAuley is a social worker, Jon Tayler works in the sports and leisure sector; drummer Rico is a retired Industrial Engineer. Bass player Mark Uttley is a retired firefighter and Fred himself is a retired paramedic. Connor Marcotte and Ian Thomas-Wright are both studying at St. Clair College.
Tom says, “It’s hard to put into words just how much we love making music together; it’s powerful stuff. When we perform, there is an authentic vibe of belonging and being a part of something really special.”
Fred adds, “That sense of belonging and camaraderie really is a family affair for our band: Jon is my son-in-law, Ian is my grandson, and the rest of the guys are part of a close and longstanding brotherhood. And let me take this opportunity to give a big shout out to our wives, girlfriends and families…because without them, there would be no band.”
“Performing as a group involves a coordination of efforts that are linked to the release of pleasure-causing chemicals (known as endorphins) in our brains. In fact, I’ve called our group ‘The Endorphin Brothers’ on more than one occasion. Which probably explains why we get such joy from playing and singing together,” says Fred, who, as a retired healthcare professional, knows a thing or two about a thing or two.
If you know Windsor, you know that our music scene has a strong, well-developed social conscience. Essex County has always been able to count on the generosity of our community of local performers to enrich and support worthy causes, from Hospice to the homeless to hospitals to children in need.
‘Giving back’ is also associated with warm and positive feelings, which is why Border City Brass aims to create and forge a lasting legacy to make a difference.
“Live music events bring people together to support our community and provide platforms for emerging musicians; we’re committed to doing our part,” Fred promises.
If we’re talking about Windsor’s music scene, we must mention ‘the Big D’. While Detroit is considered a world-renowned music metropolis, its endless legacy of famous singers, bands and hit songs has not only left an indelible mark on that city, but also on the bustling border city directly south.
Windsor may not always register as a hot spot of musical talent and yet, our live music scene is second-to-none, whether it’s funk, rock, soul, punk, alternative, jazz or blues. We may not be able to boast names like Aretha, Eminem and Linkin Park, but we do have our own versions of pop, rock and country heroes that have called Windsor home (or at least, their birthplace: Shania Twain, Jeff Burrows, Richie Hawtin, Dorothy Collins). All of them have left their mark, and all of them can trace their roots to our fair city.
For anyone born and raised here, Motown, Detroit’s rock radio and vibrant live concert venues are just a handful of the myriad musical influences that colour, shape and influence our world.
For Border City Brass, musical influences include The Blues Brothers (‘we have a special place in our hearts for this movie’, confides Jon), Chicago and the Powder Blues Band, to name a few.
Jon adds, “One of the real advantages of having a band the size of a baseball team is that if we want to tackle a big song by the E-Street Band or Tower of Power, we absolutely can. And we will!”
When Jon is asked what he’d like people to know about Border City Brass, he’s quick to answer: “We’re an upbeat, down-to-earth, friendly, confident band with a great big sound; the kind of sound you can feel. Our passion for playing is contagious! Whether you like to bust some moves on the dance floor, are more the clap-sing-and-sway in your seat type, or you just want to sit back and groove, we’re your band.”
At press time, Fred had just nailed down the details for a Border City Brass New Year’s Eve at the Windsor Sportsmen’s Club located at 2401 Douagall.
He adds, “We’ll be sending 2024 out with a bang from 2–6 pm, culminating with a traditional New Year’s Eve ball drop. Which means you can still stop in at that house party or be at home safe and warm well before the clock strikes 12. For revellers of a certain age, it’s the best of both worlds! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, where the latest details on all upcoming Border City Brass performances and events can be found. Or email bordercitybrassband@gmail.com for more information. We can’t wait to play for you!”
Add comment