Pianist and Composer Diane Roblin is considered one of the most respected female musicians in Canadian jazz today. She continues this legacy with her brand new album Breath of Fresh Air, out now via ZSAN Records.
Produced by bassist George Koller, Breath of Fresh Air showcases Roblin’s strength as composer and bandleader along with her ensemble Life Force, who got together to play Roblin’s compositions back in 2019. The album is described as “jazz, funk, and impressionist harmony into compositions that are both adventurous and deeply moving.” Breath of Fresh Air is the sophomore release from Roblin and Life Force following their 2019 debut, Life Force. The Life Force ensemble includes Kevin Turcotte (flute/fugelhorn), Jeff LaRochelle (tenor sax/bass clarinet), John Johnson (soprano and alto sax), Tim Shia (drums), George Koller (upright/electric bass) and Roblin on piano and keyboard.
Born in the US and living in Canada for over 50 years, Roblin was trained as a classical pianist when she pursued a diverse music education at York University in Toronto, immersing herself in jazz improvisation, world music, and electronic composition with American experimental composer David Rosenboom.
Roblin joined Brad Barker at the jazz.fm91 studios earlier this month to talk about her career, the album and how her education influenced her musical style.
Breath of Fresh Air is available now on all digital platforms and wherever music is sold, including Bandcamp.
