James Brown is one of Canada’s most talented and versatile musicians. As a guitarist, composer and educator, he has produced four acclaimed recordings of original music. Marrying his extensive background in classical performing and composing with jazz, he has created a unique musical space for himself. He has performed with many leading artists and ensembles including The Toronto Symphony Orchestra Sound Streams Canada and Can Stage. His recent full scale composition “The Mosley Street Suite” was premiered at Koerner Hall in August 2021 and his fourth studio album “Song Within the Story”, (featuring Clark Johnston, Anthony Michelli and Mike Murley) was released on NGP records in March of 2022. Other recordings have featured Don Thompson, Quinsin Nachoff, Jim Vivian, Andrew Downing and Ernie Tollar. James’ composition article “The Grundgestalt Concept” was published in the July 2023 issue of Downbeat Magazine. “This is a stunning album, thanks for putting on my radar!”
Lauren Hancock, Producer, CBC, Saturday Night Jazz
Frank Marino is an expressive and commanding vocalist who is known to Canadian audiences through his work as lead singer for the premiere Rush tribute band My Favourite Headache. When not on stage he is often found at his cottage on Snake Island on Lake Simcoe.
Cathy de Roeper started playing piano when she was 7 years old and was classically trained with private music lessons until she was around 18 or so when movies, boys, sports and my social life seemed to be much more fun than practicing piano, so the lessons stopped. Cathy began teaching piano and organ part time for several years, but then marriage and raising a child soon took priority and so, once again, the lessons stopped. Musical influences have been Carole King, Billy Joel, Elton John, Chicago and Supertramp. Her father was a musician so family sing songs have always kept Cathy playing the piano but it wasn’t until an open jam at the local marina in 2012 when she met a guitar player who invited me to join a project he was starting. Well, she was hooked! Imagine going from living room sing songs to playing in a real bar in front of real people! After several lineup changes and also playing with multiple musicians over the years; and over 100 gigs later, Cathy is still banging the keys and excited to be a part of North Of The Border.
Paul Webb was born and raised in England, his musical journey started with the rise of the Punk and New Wave craziness in the late seventies. Starting on the home town scene with local bands,
singing and working sound for the local community of musicians and friends. With good friends in major record companies, had wonderful opportunities to visit major bands on tour and observe during these shows, how the big guns put on a show. Iron Maiden, UFO, Slade to name just a few. After moving to Canada in the early nineties, got involved in local bands and Theatre productions, singing and acting in the shows. These days, happily playing Bass Guitar for Twelve 32 and North Of The Border.
Steve Farrugia is a Toronto born and raised professional drummer who has shared the stage with the top musicians in Toronto and outside the country as well. Some notable musicians Steve has had the pleasure to play with are Reg Schwager, Robi Botos, Adrean Farrugia, Ted Quinlan, Artie Roth, Bruce Cassidy, Bob Brough, Sophia Pearlman, George Koe ller and many others. Steve has performed at many great venues and festivals such as TD Jazz festival, Beaches Jazz festival, Shores of Erie music festival, Oakville Jazz festival and many more. Also performances at venues like The Rex, Gate 403, Club 744, Palais Royale and Casinos in Canada and the USA. Steve studied at Humber College Jazz studies program with great educators like Steve Tattersol, Don Vickery, Mark Kelso and Paul Delong. His studies have allowed him to play in many styles such as Jazz, Big Band Latin Orchestras, Rock and Top 40 bands.As well as many Theatre productions throughout the city. Steve also is currently teaching Drums and Percussion at Arcadia school of music.