Ladyfinger with Diane Roblin,keys; Kayla Milmine soprano sax; with special guests Jonathan Kay and more

Ladyfinger with Diane Roblin (piano, keyboards) and Kayla Milmine (soprano sax) is an ensemble of two distinguished players within Toronto’s creative music scene. They are composers of original music and interpreters of compositions by jazz greats like McCoy Tyner and Carla Bley. Jazz music is all about improvisation and interpretation, and it’s clear that Ladyfinger is a group that takes this approach to heart. By creating their own original compositions and interpreting the works of established jazz composers, they are able to showcase their own unique musical voice while also paying tribute to the artists who have inspired them. Both playful and expressive they explore their original compositions through whimsical dialogues and progressive improvisation. … Diane Roblin is a composer, pianist/keyboardist, improviser and band leader. A student of world, electronic and jazz music, she participated in NYC’s Karl Berger/Ornette Coleman’s workshop as well as in the Dutch Improv Academy with Hans Bennick. From rockin’ Rough Trade to avant- garde musician Charles Gayle, her performance experience has been eclectic. Her acclaimed Life Force band performs her original jazz-funk compositions at renown venues. As a global improviser, Diane is also a member of Sarah Weaver’s NowNetArts international telematic ensemble. She has performed throughout Europe, Mexico, UK, and North America. Diane is a member of the Association of Canadian Women Composers.

www.dianeroblin.com. Kayla Milmine loves the new and under-explored sonic possibilities that only the soprano saxophone can offer. Her unique approach has the edginess and brashness of Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell yet also a warmth and thoughtfulness reminiscent of Steve Lacy. In 2019, Milmine released a solo album called ‘Straight Horn Magick’; a mixture of field recordings and solo soprano saxophone improvisations, followed by another solo album she released in 2022 called ‘Moods of Yellow’. She plays regularly in trio form with vocalist/dancer Susanna Hood, and pianist Tania Gill, and in duo form with pianist Diane Roblin in their project called ‘Ladyfinger’. In February 2019, she was invited to record with celebrated bassist, William Parker in a chamber-improv sextet in NY, where she often travels to study with mentor/collaborator, Sam Newsome. She is co-founder

of the Women From Space Festival in Toronto.

https://sonomadicrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ladyfinger-live-2

Diane Roblin – piano, keys:

Kayla Milmine – soprano sax;

and guest Jonathan Kay- reeds