Aline’s étoile magique
éclipse
Elastic Recordings
éclipse is the debut recording from Canadian jazz violin sensation, Aline Homzy. Aline’s father is a jazz scholar specializing in the work of Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and Charles Mingus. It’s inevitable that these greats would influence Homzy’s compositional style (along with Coco Channel’s advice to always take one thing off before leaving the house). The compositions on éclipse are carefully crafted, melodic, and playful. While violin is Homzy’s instrument, she also plays synths and theremin to add color. Her main melodic collaborators are vibraphonist Michael Davidson and guitarist Thom Gill. Holding down the bottom are drummer Marito Marquez and bassist Dan Fortin. The album was recorded in Kingston, Ontario, at the Tragically Hip’s studio.
éclipse feels like it could be the soundtrack to a Wes Anderson film about space exploration. The opening track feels like it could be Arya Stark’s grand procession down the streets of Gallifrey. Throughout éclipse, Homzy’s violin and Michael Davidson’s vibes define the sound. There is a whimsical interplay between the lead melodic instruments, such as the Sun Ra psychedelic vibe on Charlie Parker’s tune, “Segment.”
One of the things that attract me to Aline is her overall playfulness. When I first looked at the CD packaging, I thought it was a folk-tinged Goth band. The pen and ink drawing gives a good feel for the freewheeling, adventurous compositions within. I look forward to seeing what Homzy comes up with in the future. I also hope she gets to take her étoile magique on the road, so I can experience these tunes live.
