"This much anticipated recording proves once again Diane Roblin has something unique to offer jazz fans. Fascinating compositions with a virtuosic ensemble of Canadian hotshots." Jaymz Bee, JAZZFM.91
Diane Roblin’s spirited debut release ‘RECONNECT’ made the jazz charts and received airplay around the globe. Now she offers a second album of high energy music from the heart called ‘LIFE FORCE’ featuring an explosive six piece band. Roblin put together a group of Canada’s most sought-out jazz musicians; bassist and producer George Koller, electronic valve instrumentalist Bruce Cassidy, trumpet and flugelhorn player Kevin Turcotte, tenor sax and bass clarinetist Jeff LaRochelle along with Ben Riley on drums explore her eight diverse tracks. From high energy jazz-funk to stunning ballads, Diane’s engaging compositions are met with expressive improvisation and impressionistic overtones from this stellar band.
Back On Track brings the funk with Diane on the Fender Rhodes as does Feeling Good, which explodes with all horns jointly improvising and a dynamic drum solo. Suspend Yourself takes the listener into a world of 7/4 expanding the imagination and Ballad in 3/4 features the haunting sound of the bass clarinet which resonates beyond the last note. Snowy Day’s stunning horn arrangement by Bruce Cassidy takes her beautiful ballad to epic heights. Bela, Modal Moods and Reprise of Snowy Day are three expressive duos with grand piano and upright bass. They provide a stage for Diane’s unique style which is influenced by classical, funk and jazz (Debussy, Bartok, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Cecil Taylor).
Born in Buffalo NY and living in Toronto Diane has had an interesting musical trajectory. She has performed domestically and abroad with diverse bands and as a solo artist from Toronto’s Jazz Bistro, Ronnie Scott’s in London and Antibes-Juan les Pins. Diane also spent time with the Karl Berger/Ornette Colman workshop in Woodstock (NY) and NYC as well as with the Dutch Improv Academy in Amsterdam with Hans Bennick.
“Fresh and invigorating. Roblin’s piano work dazzles.” Kerry Doole
For the album cover of LIFE FORCE Diane collaborated with the Augmented Reality artist Olga Nabatova, who painted her 35 year old plant in Virtual Reality. CD purchasers will be able to download the Artivive.com app and view the cover with a smart phone to see it come to life.
Coming up: DIANE ROBLIN ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY
LIFE FORCE LIVE @ HUGH’S ROOM LIVE
TUESDAY, NOV 5 • DOORS 6PM/ MUSIC 8PM • $20 adv/$25 door CD included
2261 DUNDAS STREET WEST, TORONTO • 416.533.LIVE (5483)
TICKETS: https://hughsroomlive.com/event/diane-roblin/
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Diane Roblin team – dianeroblinmusic@gmail.com / 647.519.6706
