BIOGRAPHY
Brandon L. Robertson is an EMMY®-nominated music director, acclaimed bassist, composer, and educator originally from Tampa, Florida. A versatile upright and electric bassist, Robertson has built a career defined by excellence, artistry, and mentorship. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Florida State University (2009) and his Master of Music in Jazz Performance (2016) and has since become a leading figure in both performance and jazz education across the Southeast. Throughout his career, Brandon has shared the stage with an impressive roster of world-renowned artists including The Count Basie Orchestra (under the direction of Scotty Barnhart), Carmen Bradford, Benny Benack III, Laila Biali, Marcus Roberts, Jason Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Eric Alexander, Lew Del Gatto, Leroy Jones, Marty Morell, Carla Cook, Jeff Phifer, Kenny Washington, Marcus Printup, and many others. His performance résumé spans 22 countries across Europe, from the Mediterranean to Iceland, showcasing his global reach as a jazz artist and ambassador. Currently, Brandon serves as the John & Dorothy Guigon Endowed Director of Jazz Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music, where he directs multiple ensembles, teaches courses in jazz history and entrepreneurship, and mentors the next generation of musicians. He also directs the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra at Artis–Naples, continuing his mission to build thriving jazz communities in Southwest Florida. In 2018, Brandon received an EMMY® nomination for Best Collegiate Educational Program featuring the FGCU Jazz Ensemble. His debut album, “Bass’d on a True Story” (Slammin Media/Believe Distribution), reached #16 on the iTunes Top 200 Jazz Releases, earning critical acclaim for its artistry and originality. An honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi (Mu Upsilon Chapter), Brandon continues to perform, record, and inspire through a deep commitment to music, education, and community.
TESTIMONIALS
“Brandon Robertson is one of the best young bassists in the world today. Brandon has subbed for the COB and he's never missed a single beat! He brings the proper level of skill and imagination to the bandstand that can lift and propel a trio, a quintet, or a full jazz orchestra....hire him...." -Scotty Barnhart, Jazz Trumpeter & Director of The Count Basie Orchestra "I met Brandon Robertson while performing with the Count Basie Orchestra, and from the moment he started to play, he locked down that tempo. I never had to turn around and give him "eyebrows" the groove was solid, and I exhaled. I've enjoyed performing with Brandon over the years and he is truly one of the finest young bassist on the scene"! -Carmen Bradford, Jazz Vocalist and Singer of the Count Basie Orchestra "For me, swing is everything. The pocket must have depth and the quarter notes must be fat and possess that electricity and intensity that propels the music. Brandon Robertson is a musician whose playing is rooted in those concepts. He swings with authority." -Dan Miller, Yamaha Endorsed Trumpeter & Former Member of the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band & JALC Orchestra "I have been working with Brandon for the past few years and it is a pleasure to share the bandstand with him. He plays with great time and a big sound and his exuberance and love for the music makes every gig fun". -Lew Del Gatto, Former Member of the Saturday Night Live Band "I was extremely humbled when the FGCU jazz band performed a tribute concert of my arrangements! What a "swingin" band under the direction of bassist/conductor Brandon Robertson! Jazz is happening at FGCU!” -Mark Taylor, Retired Chief Arranger of The US Army Band and Staff Arranger for Hal Leonard Corp. "Brandon Robertson is one of those hungry young musicians who will have a positive impact on everybody in his spectrum" -Rodney Jordan, Bassist for the Marcus Roberts Trio & Associate Professor of Jazz Studies, Florida State University “Brandon Roberts is a go-to swinging bass player. He is all aces!” -Jeff Rupert, Yamaha Endorsed Saxophonist & Director of Jazz Studies, University of Central Florida “Brandon Robertson is a groove machine! Always love playing with him. He is very knowledgeable, groove oriented, and has a great beat to play along (and hook-up) with. This same type of work ethic (as a musician) also carries over into his personality, so when you experience Brandon, the musician, you are also experiencing Brandon, the person. He is also a great motivation for kids who might be pursuing music as a career as well. Relates to students very well!” -Leon Anderson-Drummer & Director of Jazz Studies, Florida State University "I have been fortunate enough to know Brandon as both a performer and an educator. As a bassist, he plays with a big sound and a buoyant swing that pushes any group he plays with to new heights. He brings this same level of intensity to his teaching, and his enthusiasm for the music rubs off on his students." -Dr. Thomas Heflin, Jazz Trumpeter & Assistant Professor of Jazz, Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College "Brandon is a world-class bassist who has the most infectious energy on stage. He's definitely my go to player in Florida!" -Laila Biali, Grammy Nominated Vocalist & JUNO Winner "Brandon is a great bassist who can swing hard!" -Jason Marsalis, Jazz Drummer & Vibraphonist "Brandon is amazing to work with and has the BEST attitude on the bandstand" -Halie Loren, Jazz Vocalist
HI-RESOLUTION PHOTOS
"bass'd on a true story" debut album
Bass’d on a True Story features eight original compositions from Brandon, outlining his humble beginnings as a musician, dating back to 2004 when he began his musical studies at Florida State University. The music on his album represents the chronological order of his music career to date. The influence of Brandons’ album draws from a plethora of real-life experiences and also strives to have its own unique sound. This is Brandon’s first chance to invite people, all over the world, to hear his life story. The success of this album will further help Brandon, to take steps towards expanding his unique sound. This will also help provide better opportunities for Brandon to write more music, perform around the globe and reach even more listeners.
FULL ALBUM (YOUTUBE)
RADIO FEATURE
ALBUM REVIEW
Lynn Bayley (Art Music Lounge)
https://artmusiclounge.wordpress.com/2019/07/30/robertsons-debut-cd-bassd-on-a-true-story/
https://inabluemood.blogspot.com/2019/08/brandon-robertson-bassd-on-true-story.html
https://kenfrancklingjazznotes.blogspot.com/2019/09/a-night-bassd-on-true-story.html
John Davis (WGCU 90.5 FM)
https://thejazzmusicblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/florida-based-bassist-brandon-robertson.html
ALBUM REVIEW QUOTES
"The Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro in downtown Fort Myers was packed on Saturday, September 28 for bassist Brandon Robertson's CD release gig/celebration. By my head count, it was standing-room-only and then some. In addition to those fortunate to get seats at tables or the bar, people were standing wherever they could find space… It was a well-deserved turnout to note the release of Bass'd on a True Story…"
Ken Franckling – Ken Franckling’s Jazz Notes
"Robertson establishes the authority of bass playing at the first notes of the opening "East of the Sun" in which he states the melody as Margut comps behind him. He plays comfortably taking the lead as well as keeping time and his full tone and his melodic sense underlie the strong playing here… A bass solo, "Maven's Arrival," again showcases Robertson's robust attack and tone, and his ability to structure a melodic improvisation. It closes Robertson's most appealing recording debut." Ron Weinstock – In A Blue Mood
"With a well-traveled, well-honed vibe running underneath it all, he's an all-around cat for real muso ears. Straight ahead jazz with little bits of here and there inserted here and there that keep you captivated throughout. Killer stuff."
Chris Spector – The Midwest Record
"All in all, a very fine debut disc for a jazz bassist who shows considerable promise. I give it five fish!"
Lynn Bayley – Art Music Lounge
"Bass'd On A True Story" is an exhilarating and invigorating piece of contemporary jazz that resonates throughout and satisfies to the end. With the stylish and finely-calibrated bass playing of Brandon Robertson up front backed up by a notable and dynamic group of musical collaborators, this 14 track original creation embodies the essence of classic jazz that glows with colour and is embroidered with poetic notes and playful indulgences that makes it a wholly unique adventure."
Marty Delia – The Jazz Music Blog (Australia)
"Robertson is humble and modest in nature, probably habil, capable, solid, but not one who needs to make a show of it. Nevertheless, his music is melodic at the deepest level, richly chiseled and ornamented"
Ivan Rod- Jazz Journalist (Poland)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: brandonrobertsonmusic@gmail.com
FGCU CONTACT
https://www.fgcu.edu/directory/brobertson?list=1
SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS
FB: Brandon Robertson Music IG:@brandonjazzbassist Youtube: Brandon Robertson Music