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A TOUCH of BRASS specializes in ‘nostalgic music’ featuring songs from the Vaudeville stage, selections from the Jazz Age [20’s and 30’s], swing and ballads of the Big Band Era, songs of the Broadway stage, and several Pop tunes, all performed in a ‘Traditional or Lounge Jazz’ style. While listening to them, one is quickly aware of the influences of Jazz, Blues, Gospel, and Classical music in their lives.
The band was organized in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1991, consisting of Kay Appleby; piano, Behr Appleby; bass, trumpet, tuba, and clarinet, and Wally Reeds; guitar, saxophone, and clarinet. The group featured music of the big band era along with some unusual variety songs. After about six months, Wally left the group, to pursue work in Las Vegas.
The band then signed on, as the musical part, of O’Mallys Dinner Theater in Van Buren, Arkansas. Working with a cast of 15 to 20 performers they organized, directed, wrote, and performed in, a new production each month. This greatly increased the group’s song list. Soon they were given the opportunity to manage the dinner theater. At the same time they assisted in the development of the Ft. Smith, Arkansas Bureau of Tourism, which to this day is using many of the entertainment programs implemented by Kay and Behr. In Ft. Smith, A TOUCH of BRASS enjoyed many gigs in the local restaurants and clubs, becoming regulars at clubs like Weidman’s Restaurant and Brew Pub.
Upon leaving Arkansas, Kay and Behr accepted a management job with a retirement company and A TOUCH of BRASS went right along. With approximately 120 residents in each facility, they had an audience each day, playing during meals and for special occasions. They managed facilities in St. louis, Missouri; Iowa City, Iowa; and New Orleans, Louisiana; affording many opportunities for the group to play and polish their show. They were also hired by the Holiday Retirement Company to entertain at their facilities in Springfield, and Joliet, Illinois; Des Moines, and Bettendorf, Iowa; Springfield, Missouri; Springdale, and Hot Springs, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; and Baton Rouge, and Metairie, Louisiana. While in New Orleans, off-duty hours were often spent in the French Quarter playing at clubs such as The Gazebo, Maxwells, and Mr. B’s Restaurant. They also worked as sidemen with jazz trumpeter Steamboat Willie, and with clarinetist Bob Payne and his Dixieland All-Stars.
In the spring of 1997 Kay and Behr moved to San Antonio, Texas, to accept a job managing a storage facility. They continued providing musical entertainment for private parties and functions.
In 1998 Gil Centeno was moving from New York to San Antonio. He needed storage for some things and met the Applebys. Before long a musical relationship developed, and once again A TOUCH of BRASS began to seek public venues for their music. Although, Kay and Behr have worked with many vocalists through the years, they both feel none match the vocal qualities of Gil.
The forth member of the group John Behrens was also a tenant at the storage facility, where he stored his drums and other equipment. The addition of John to A TOUCH of BRASS in 1999 makes the group truly a complete 'Jazz Combo'. John's education and expertise as a sound technician have been a great asset to the band.
Collectively, having well in excess of a century of stage experience, the members of A TOUCH of BRASS have made the decision to spend some time traveling and playing music for people who want to have FUN. Our musical selections have all survived the 'test of time', and are loved by everyone, regardless of age, ethnic, or social background. We have reached the time in life where we are free to enjoy travel, and have a desire to be with 'fun seeking' people. We have all the equipment nessessary to set up a stage for performance. It is our goal to find work in Cruise Lines, USO Tours, Hotels, Restaurants, Clubs, or Casinos worldwide.
