Originally from Ajax, Ontario, Canada, John D. Robertson has been performing live music since his early teens and started playing rock and roll in 1970. In 1979 he began playing professionally with the band “Larkstung” and in 1980 had his first studio recording with them.
In 1981 John toured with Winnipeg band “Billboard Heroes”, playing keyboards, guitar and covering the majority of harmonies. After a move to Vancouver, John started the well know band “No Control” with Colin Roth and Ron Kuthar. They played together for 7 years, entering the studio twice, and performing a Billy Idol tribute to packed houses across Canada. The band featured Greg Riddell on keyboards and Darry Major on Drums. In 1986 they recorded “No Pain” and “Walkin’ On The Edge”, the latter song winning the battle of the bands contest on “The Fox” fm radio for two months running.
As well as performing live across Canada with the bands “Shoctok” and “Living Proof”, John continued recording with the Robertson/Roth band. John and Colin Roth wrote the material, while Darry Major was on drums and Garry Konig on bass. Paul Iverson, who performed with Bryan Adams and Strange Advance, was the producer/mentor/consultant for the band.
Following a brief hiatus from the music business and a move to Ottawa, John started playing with local band “Unknown” and recorded a four-song E.P. at Distortion studios, which he co-produced with Tracy Holmes. In June 2006, Mach One Music Studios was officially opened, and John released his first independent CD “GONNABEALRITE”, recorded entirely in the studio.
John likes to say that “a good set of ears and the ability to adapt to any musical style are my two best assets”. His versatility is demonstrated by the fact he can play guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and percussion along with the ability to sing and harmonize in many different music styles.
“J D Robertson and The Details” was formed in 2007 by J D Robertson after the release of his independent CD “GONNABEALRITE” (2006).
Put together to perform at summer festival shows, the original lineup consisted of: Geoff Johnson: guitar, and vocals, Gord Troup: drums, percussion and vocals, and Mark Henderson: bass. As the new songs were coming together it became apparent that the skilled help of a multi-instrumentalist who could also help out on vocals was desperately needed; hence the addition of Rob Pinder: guitar, banjo, harmonica, keyboards, and vocals. It was a big boost to the sound of the band! The Band performed at the Ottawa Bluesfest in 2010.
© 2011 JD ROBERTSON