Bajan in the Deep: Meet Adele’s Musical Director, Miles Robertson

Words by Emily Shapiro, via News Americas—

Among the many mediocre pop performances at the Grammys, the soulful and truly talented Adele stood out with her performance of “Rolling In The Deep.” Her first post-surgery performance was much anticipated and she did not let her fans down. In fact, she pretty much cemented her place as one of music’s great acts.

While Adele didn’t bust the “Willie Bounce” or the “Keepin’ it Jiggy” she did represent the Caribbean via her Bajan accompanying pianist, Miles Robertson. Robertson, born in Barbados, has been touring with Adele as both her musical director and keyboardist since 2008. Miles, who has been playing piano and violin since he was four, attributes much of his success to his musical roots. Both of his grandparents and his mother, Janice Millington, were all musicians in Barbados. His father, Raf Robertson, is a jazz musician from Trinidad who is still performing today. Robertson has paid homage to his mother, who attended the Royal Academy of Music, by naming his production company Anita J. Productions Inc.

The multi-skilled musician been working for many years and has toured with artists from all genres including Rupee, Fabolous, Sean Kingston and jazz musician Najee. He is currently working with Laura Izibor, an R&B singer from Ireland, named an “artist to watch” by Rolling Stone. And when he is not touring, you can catch him performing in his home, New York City, at places like The Village and Club Groove. Check out some of his work in this interview with Yamaha: