Clearview - Biography

Clearview's humble beginnings came about in December of 2001 when Darlene Brasche, Dave Bordeau, and Dennis Collins were rehearsing music for Christmas services at their church. They had sung together for a few years and Darlene off-handedly asked if they should try putting togther some non-church music. A year later they had the core of the band and their music and started playing in public.The learning experience and the coming-and-going of several members brought them to their current makeup.

While they classify themselves as a "classic rock" band, their sets are comprised of a wide variety of music,
inlcuding rock, Motown, and an occasional hint of country.

Their love of music and their enjoyment in performing are evident in their appearances. And here they are...

Darlene first had the idea of trying to put some music together among friends. She has been the female lead singer since the band's inception, although she now sometimes turns those duties over when the constraints of running her own business don't allow her to make a gig.

She first learned how to perform in front of crowds (and earned her nickname "The Show') when she traveled with her family's high-wire act during her younger days.

Dave is referred to as the "leader" of the band. On stage, he is the front man because, as he says, "I'm too stupid to keep my mouth shut." Although he learned music by playing trumpet, he gave that up when he got a guitar shortly after high school. He plays rhythm guitar (electric and acoustic) and sings most of the harmonies as well as a few leads.

He likes all kinds of music, having been brought up by parents with a lot of 78 RPM country records and 4 sisters who listened to a lot of Beatles, Rolling Stones, Motown, and blues.

Dennis is the third founding member of the band (notice how we did that in alphabetical order). He is the male lead singer and is blessed with a tenor voice with incredible range. He sounds just as strong singing a slow ballad as he is belting out Bruce Springsteen's "Cover Me".

His personal tastes run the gamut from jazz to country, soul, rhythm & blues, and rock. When he's not on stage with Clearview or playing softball and volleyball, he can be found singing karaoke at one of several area clubs.

John (Johnny G) has been with Clearview for all but the first year and plays lead guitar, electric fiddle, and harmonica. He played for several years with the Chapparels, a well- known area country / rock band. After being out of show business for a few years, a chance lunchtime encounter with Dave at a local restaurant brought him to Clearview.
In addition to the instruments he plays with Clearview, John also tinkers with the mandolin,
accordian, and drums.

Ed (Steady Eddie) Moran comes to the band by way of his native Massachusetts, where he
played in several rock bands over the years. A very fine guitarist in his own right, Ed plays
6-string bass with Clearview. He is also the resident electronics expert and keeps the band
from blowing up any of its equipment. He favors music by Led Zeppelin and won't tell us any
more about himself.

W H O A R E T H E Y ??

Heather Prescott hails from all over creation and currently resides with her husband in Shelton. She is a former member of the "Drunken Unkles" (a band, not a sorority) from Boston. She plays
the flugelhorn (your guess is as good as ours) and loves all thypes of music. Her recent marriage
and birth of her daughter (her pride & joy) seem only to have enhanced her vocal abilities.
"Half-Pint" always wows the crowds with her decibals.

Paul Lafontaine replaced original drummer Nick, who left for some long-term surgery. Paul has played in several area rock bands including Defiance, Rough Edge, and Old #7. He hung up the sticks a few years ago to concentrate on work. He discovered that work isn't all it's cracked up to be, so he took on the challenge of anchoring the rhythm section with Ed. His skills were honed as a youngster when he played in a drum corps with his two brothers. We believe the literal translation of his name means "lover of extended song endings."

Charise is our "lady of two homes." While her permanent residence is in Connecticut with her new daughter, she likes to go back to her native Florida when her schedule allows. Anyone who has heard her sing doesn't soon forget her power and range. Although they are the "younger" members of the band, both Charise and Heather have shown a great appreciation for music from many different eras.