Alt-rocker, alt-country, alt-folk, genre-defying John Borra’s latest release is a poetic barn-burner.
Toronto musician John Borra may not be as well known in Canada as he should be, but his latest release Last Dance at The E Room will go a long way in ensuring a change in that direction. He’s a wonderful songwriter with a distinctive voice, and an ability to weave in and out of genres that defies easy categorization. Some might call his music Americana, but there is something distinctly Canadian about his work. He puts it this way:
“I’ve always believed in doing music for the sake of music, not for fame or money. That ethos has guided me through my entire career.”
John has been a part of the Toronto alternative music scene for decades, both as a solo artist and supporting musician in several bands. His reputation and connections brought several of Canada’s most talented musicians together on the E Room sessions, among them members of Blue Rodeo, The Cowboy Junkies, and the band behind Neko Case. The album title refers to the legendary Peter J. Moore, the innovative producer of many highly creative low-budget albums by The Cowboy Junkies, Stephen Fearing, Holly Cole, Willie P.Bennett and countless others. John regarded Peter as his mentor, and the eclectic flavour of this current release is definitely influenced by Moore, who passed away in late 2023.
The songs on this album are highly personal, and highly diverse in their approach to melody and execution. That makes for a very interesting recording, as this songwriter is equally at home with cowboy punk, alternative rock, and straight-ahead country. He brings to mind a wide array of past and current writers and performers, many of them Canadian, and many not: Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Patti Smith, Art Bergmann, Handsome Ned, David Wiffen, Orville Peck, and Chuck Prophet. Much like Borra himself, these are artists with deep convictions, inner-directed, none seeking popular adulation, but each receiving deserved critical acclaim.
Album standouts: “Here in My Heart” – one of the loveliest songs in many a year; “Magnolia Bloom” – an infectious and memorable tune; and “I Did What I Could” – the album opener that could well serve as an unforgettable closer at a live concert.
We are highly recommending Last Dance at The E Room as one of the best albums in recent years from one of the most authentic voices in contemporary music. John is on tour throughout Canada to promote this release – don’t miss him if he comes to your town. If you happen to be located in British Columbia, here are some upcoming dates:
- Wed Dec 10 – Quadra Legion w/Broadfork Trio & Cortes Rocks – Quadra Island, BC
- Thurs Dec 11 – Cumberland Legion w/Broadfork Trio & Coal Dust Gang – Cumberland, BC
- Fri Dec 12 – Rebel Garage w/Broadfork Trio & Long Gone Trio – Victoria, BC
- Sat Dec 13 – Concert’s at Cliff’s – Vancouver, BC
