Diane Roblin’s LIFE FORCE band , is a “virtuosic ensemble of Canadian hotshots” (JAZZ.FM91). LIFE FORCE plays Diane’s diverse and spirited compositions that blend her broad influences ranging from high-energy jazz-funk to impressionism.
Diane Roblin’s dynamic career has earned her a place among Canada’s most respected women in jazz. Known for her powerful compositions and expressive keyboard style, Diane’s performances blend technical agility with a deep commitment to the connective power of music. As a composer, pianist, electric keyboardist, improviser, and bandleader, Diane’s spirited, genre-crossing work has led to collaborations with artists ranging from avant-garde improviser Charles Gayle to the iconic rock band Rough Trade. Her new album, Breath of Fresh Air, released on Zsan Records in late 2024, continues this legacy. It showcases Roblin’s expansive musical voice, weaving jazz, funk, and impressionist harmony into compositions that are both adventurous and deeply moving. Leading her six-piece ensemble, Life Force, Diane explores highenergy soundscapes punctuated by intricate, emotionally resonant improvisations. Critics have praised her work: JAZZFM91 calls her compositions “fascinating,” while WholeNote writes, “Roblin reminds us of her skill, not only as a pianist but as a new music composer.” A classical pianist by training, Diane pursued a diverse music education at York University in Toronto, immersing herself in jazz improvisation, world music, and electronic composition with David Rosenboom. She has also studied with mridangam master Trichy Sankaran and participated in the Ornette Coleman/Karl Berger workshop in NYC, where she worked with luminaries like Lee Konitz, and in the Dutch Improv Academy with drummer Hans Bennink. Diane’s collaborations span an impressive range of Canadian jazz and experimental musicians, and she regularly performs in both traditional and experimental contexts, including telematic music with Sarah Weaver’s NowNet Inc. Lab Ensemble. Her performances have reached audiences at major venues and festivals in North America and Europe, from Toronto’s Kensington Market Jazz Festival to Amsterdam’s Bimhuis and New York’s Smalls. Diane is also an active member of the Association of Canadian Women Composers, committed to advancing Canada’s jazz composers community. www.dianeroblin.com
DIANE ROBLIN’S LIFE FORCE BAND: Diane Roblin, Piano/Keyboards/Compositions George Koller - electric and upright bass Tim Shia - drums Colleen Allen - reeds John Johnson - tenor, bass clarinet Kevin Turcotte - trumpet
https://youtu.be/LiEtBSEAliQZ https://youtu.be/vawLz1Dp4i4
Reviews of Breath of Fresh Air….
“These six tracks transport the listener through vivid musical tableaux, and while their brevity leaves one longing for more, it’s impossible not to return to this album repeatedly. Like all masterfully crafted works, it reveals fresh surprises with each listen, its splendid and ingenious arrangements commanding both admiration and respect… It comes as no surprise, then, that this album will undoubtedly feature in our “Essential Albums” series for 2024.” Thierry de Clemensat – Paris Move/Bayou Blue Radio
‘Breath of Fresh Air is a jazz album of original compositions by Diane Roblin. The complex and dynamic songs are performed by a multitalented six-person ensemble…. Their masterful collaboration has created an extraordinary, multifaceted musical journey that sparks the imagination and uplifts the spirit. Highly recommended!”….midwestbooks.com