Diane Roblin

A classically trained pianist and composer, Diane Roblin studied music at York University. Her studies were eclectic and wide-ranging including electronic music, ethnomusicology and jazz improvisation. She attended the Karl Berger/Ornette Coleman intensive workshop in Woodstock and NYC and played with Dave Holland, Jack deJohnette and other notable musicians. She also studied with the avant grade Dutch Improv Academy (Hans Bennick, Mary Oliver, Wilfred de Joode) culminating in a performance at Amsterdam’s legendary Bimhaus.

Throughout the years Diane has lead and played with many diverse groups from Rough Trade, to renown avant garde improviser Charles Gayle. Toronto DJ, Jaymz Bee honoured her original jazz-funk release RECONNECT placing it on his TOP 3 list for 2014 and it was top of the charts in Canada, the USA, Japan, New Zealand and Germany.

Diane continues to lead and write for her jazz-funk sextet made up of Toronto’s finest which might include Bruce Cassidy, George Koller, Rich Underhill, Morgan Childs, Chris Wallace, Ben Riley and Kevin Turcotte. Diane is an accomplished contemporary improviser and soloist also playing with musicians Nick Fraser, Brodie West, Michael Snow and Rob Clutton.

Diane has performed at the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, Jazz Bistro, Lula Lounge, Hart House, The Pilot Tavern, Alliance Francais, Harbourfront, Array Space, Tranzac residency, La Rev, Toronto 416 Improvisers Festival, Somewhere There Festival, Merida Mexico, Tennessee Plum Festival, Smalls NYC, Ronnie Scotts London UK, Amsterdam’s Bimhaus as well as clubs abroad in Cannes, Antibes/Juan les Pins.