Gonnabealrite (2006)
Remember when you were a kid and you got something called a “Do-Over”? It was something friends did to be nice to their friends who didn’t catch on to things quickly. Gonnabealrite is all about my do-over. When I started writing the songs for this just after the beginning of the new millennium, I felt like the luckiest person alive. I had survived a fall that had been long and far, with me ending up on the streets and in and out of shelters in Toronto in 1998 due to many personal problems. Some friends and family helped pull me out of the mess I was in and I was given a second chance.
Since my move to Ottawa in 1998, I’ve worked in one of the main homeless shelters in the city, at a treatment centre, and on the streets as an outreach worker, helping those who needed food, water, and maybe an ear to listen for a while. After a diagnosis of heart problems, I had to slow down and find some meaning full work that could earn me some income to help support my family. Thanks to my wife Shirley’s continued patience and support I built MachOne Music Studios in my home and spent two years learning how to use it while my friend Tracy Holmes helped me record all of these songs.
I still had some ya’ya’s to get out of my system as you will hear by some of the rockier songs on this disc, but there are also some nice ballads on here. If you listen to the lyrics you will hear my stories mixed in with other people's tales. This disc is about one main theme:
No matter what you’ve been through, if you just drop your pride for even a minute and ask for help, you’ll be amazed at what can happen. I feel like I finally understand that no matter what the ebb and flow of life is taking you through, everything really is GONNABEALRITE!
Unknown (2000 to 2001)
Unknown (2000 to 2001) was my first attempt to work in a band and write again after about ten years completely out of the music business (I didn’t even own a guitar for most of that time!) My friend and sometime co-writer, Daniel Laurin, was playing with Morley Robertson (not related), Pat Garden, and Shane Todd) and I was asked to come in and cover the vocals. I’ll be forever grateful to these guys for their support and confidence in me, as they helped re-light the fire for the music that burns so strong today. Underworld was my first attempt to write something other than a song about love or sex (I mean, what else is there?) This song features Andrew Lamarche on drums and was engineered by Tracy Holmes and produced by Tracy Holmes and JD Robertson at Distortion Studios in Ottawa.
hear "underworld"
The Robertson/Roth Band
You only have so many people in your life that you really connect with. You know the ones who know what you’re thinking before you do? My wife has that attribute, but Colin Roth has been the only male friend/musician who I’ve worked with who can think further outside the box than me, and know exactly what the song needs when I can’t find it. The Robertson/Roth Band never had a chance to really come to fruition as a number of personal problems got in the way of me fulfilling my part in the band. Luckily, Colin has been very understanding and we have been sending each other some new song ideas and I have the hope that we will record together again soon. Enjoy the four songs recorded in the late 80's and early 90's and listen to the potential that had label and Factor interest. "Big Lie" and "Still Alive" features Paul Iverson on Bass Guitar. "Pushin'" features Beverly Pinset on back up vocals.
Shoctok
Shoctok was primarily a local club act in Vancouver featuring the amazing playing of members Peter Bryant-drums, Tim Mackenzie-guitar, and Joey (no name available) or Garry Konig (both smokin’ bass players). The band was not allowed to perform much due to the political (Agency) climate created by my leaving another top local act called Living Proof so I could once again front a real rock band!
Living Proof
A top club act that did extensive touring in Western Canada and the U.S. featuring well know Vancouver musicians Tina Gomes, Terry Kellog, Peter Bryant, Garry Koenig and Myself.
No Control (1983 to 1988)
No Control (1983 to 1988) was for many years a hot item in the club circuit all over western and central Canada and the States. This band was formed primarily to play covers and try to make a living performing music 6 to 7 nights a week. As the band progressed and a few of the members came and went, Colin Roth, Ron Kuthar and myself were the constants as the band began to write a lot of music together. At the same time this band put together a Billy Idol tribute set and was able to make enough money to help pay for studio time. For many years this band held sales records in many top clubs.
hear "no pain"hear "Walkin' on the Edge"
Early 80's, Winnipeg
Photo top left: (J. Walker and The Pedestrians) Mario, Rob, myself, Dave, and Jonathan
Photo credit: David M. Perich
Manitoba Music Museum: manitobamusicmuseum.com
Photo bottom left: (Billboard Heros) Myself, Tim Mackenzie, Brian King, Rick Spolar, Garry Koenig
Photo bottom right: (Eros) Craig Eros, Glen Eros, Dave Andert, Daryl Lozinski, and myself
Larkstung
Larkstung (no recordings available) was the first band I played in that actually got paid! I was green as a singer/frontman and the band (Don Balek-guitar, Ron Treleaven -keyboards, Richard Lawton-bass, and Bob Jenson-drums), really helped encourage and support my development as a singer. This band was based out of Ajax, ON and went on a tour of many clubs across Ontario and western Canada.
© 2011 JD ROBERTSON