John Borra, rock ‘n’ roll veteran, pays tribute to a forgotten recording studio on Last Dance at The E Room
Bull Durham star’s guitar, finding Costner’s playing subpar and pretentious. Despite being invited to a swanky after-party with Costner, Borra opted to join the crew at a dive bar, feeling it would be more genuine.
The dive bar in question was the Communist’s Daughter, the same place where Borra now regularly performs. He has been hosting a Sunday afternoon acoustic gig at the bar for 21 years. It was here that Borra shared details about his latest album, Last Dance at The E Room, a reflective Americana project recorded partly at the late Peter Moore’s E Room studio in Toronto. Moore, a Grammy Award-winning producer, was a mentor to Borra, providing guidance whenever needed, making a significant impact on the music lifer.
Leon Russell’s classic “Stranger in a Strange Land” played in the background as Borra discussed his upcoming album launch at the Horseshoe Tavern, a legendary venue that he describes as an “institution.” With a career spanning from the 1980s to the 90s, playing as a bass player with bands like A Neon Rome, Groovy Religion, and Change of Heart, and later transitioning into a soundman at the El Mocambo, Borra has found success in various roles within the music industry.
Through his dedication to music, Borra has been able to sustain himself solely through his craft, avoiding traditional day jobs for three decades. Despite facing financial challenges, he has managed to make ends meet, living modestly and focusing on his artistic pursuits. His decision to shift from a successful band like Change of Heart to pursue a solo career demonstrated his desire to explore new avenues in music, leading to the release of five solo albums, including the well-received Blue Wine in 2020.
Embracing a range of influences, Borra’s latest album features tracks that touch on themes of loss, reflecting on personal experiences and inspirations. With the closure of the E Room studio, a significant loss in the local music scene, Borra reminisces about the time spent creating music in that space, highlighting its importance as a hub for artistic expression free from commercial constraints.
As Borra and his band prepare to launch Last Dance at The E Room with a series of shows across various venues, including the Horseshoe Tavern and other locations, he remains committed to his craft and dedicated to sharing his music with loyal audiences. Embracing his growth as an artist over the years, Borra continues to evolve, refining his songwriting and performance skills to captivate listeners with his authentic and heartfelt music.