DIANE ROBLIN & LIFE FORCE

BREATH OF FRESH AIR

ZSAN Records

Diane Roblin, piano/Rhodes/keyboards; Tim Shia, drums; George Koller, acoustic & electric bass; Jeff LaRochell, tenor sax/bass clarinet; John Johnson, soprano & alto saxophone; Kevin Turcotte, trumpet/flugelhorn.

Diana Roblin is respected as one of Canada’s important women in jazz. Not only is she an expressive and master keyboardist, she’s a powerful composer.  Her performances, along with this recording, exemplify her technical agility and spirited genre-crossing arrangements that sparkle under the umbrella of jazz. This newly released album “Breath of Fresh Air” continues her legacy.

Every song on this album has been composed by Diane Roblin, beginning with “Ladyfinger” that sounds like a tribute song to her finger’s dexterity and creativity on the 88-keys. She is a master musician. The song celebrates the interplay between her two hands. George Koller’s bass line opens the piece in a very contemporary way, with Tim Shia’s driving drums locked into the rhythm and holding the tempo firmly in place. Roblin enters with busy fingers improvising in the treble clef and her left hand grounding the arrangement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfBsyhJVTsw

The title tune comes next, with Roblin introducing the piece on grand piano. She offers a fluid, solo piano improvisation. When Kevin Turcotte’s sweet trumpet solo enters, for sure he’s a “Breath of Fresh Air” which of course is the name of this tune and the album. It’s a pretty ballad.  Turcotte’s solo is followed by Jeff LaRochell on tenor saxophone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDBPZy2MPx4

There are four more original compositions by Diane Roblin on this exquisite production.  George Koller shines on electric bass during their arrangement of her composition called “Now.” After Roblin introduces the tune’s melody and structure, using the horns, Koller enters. But even before his solo, the bass is creative and assertive as part of the rhythm section. He sings a descant to the melody. Even during the soprano saxophone solo, the bass is strongly present. Finally, Koller is given space to step out on his own and he solos.

Diane Roblin often performs in the experimental jazz mode of music, as well as traditional jazz. You will hear a bit of both on this recording.  Roblin is an active member of the Association of Canadian Women Composers.  Her music also dabbles in the Contemporary jazz genre, and she has formerly played with avant-garde improviser Charles Gale, and the rock band Rough Trade.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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