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Aline Homzy: éclipse
ByThe exploration of this new music paradigm begins with the opening track "Caraway." As Homzy draws the bow across the violin strings with a deft touch, the music spills out to transport the listener into a captivating musical realm. Her playing has been informed by the likes of Stephane Grappelli, while at the same time, she fearlessly makes bold improvisational choices based on the virtuosity of more contemporary artists such as Jean-Luc Ponty and Regina Carter.
The following track is "Cosmos," and it continues with the dialogue already established by Homzy. She has found the art of improvisation, and her nimble fingers are conversing spontaneously. Her compositional form harkens back to the masters such as Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Thelonious Monk and the attentive listener will pick up on the intervallic melodies, as well as shifts in tempi and moods, along with a sense of playfulness.
Between Homzy and Davidson and their compositions "Hanakotoba," "Circa Herself," or" Aliens Are Pieces of Wind," the nexus is that they all demonstrate a nuanced balance between complexity and accessibility, with Homzy's violin becoming a vessel of expression. The other unnamed participant in this session is the recording studio, which Homzy has used as the sixth band member. The studio was located in Kingston, Ontario and had been the recording home for the rock band The Tragically Hip. Homzy and the band spent a week recording there and used the post- production tools to help paint the picture of a vivid universe. For example, on "Mesarthim," the theremin and synth are manipulated manually to achieve the sensation that the listener is wrapped in the sound.
The Parker number "Segment" is one of his lesser-known efforts, but the enveloping arrangement still swings along nicely, spurred by Fortin's big toned bass. The other soloists, Homzy, Davidson and Gill, offer their bright ideas and uncluttered sense of phrase that showcase their understanding of the musical structure.
Aline Homzy pushes the envelope of the jazz violin tradition, and her music is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of jazz.
Track Listing
Caraway; Cosmos; Hanakotoba; Circa Herself; Rose du ciel; Aliens are Pieces of Wind; Le belle et l’abeille; Mesarthim; Starring Space; Segment; Beinntot, We Will Collide.
Personnel
Aline Homzy
violinMichael Davidson
vibraphoneMarito Marques
drumsDan Fortin
bass, acousticThom Gill
guitarJoão Frade
accordionFelicity WIlliams
vocalsAdditional Instrumentation
Aline Hozmy: theramin (#8)
Album information
Title: éclipse | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Elastic Recordings
Comments
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Aline Homzy
Album Review
Pierre Giroux
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
Eclipse
Elastic Recordings
Michael Davidson
Thom Gil
Dan Fortin
Marito Marques
João Frade
Felicity Williams
Charlie Parker
Stephane Grappelli
Jean-Luc Ponty
Regina Carter
duke ellington
Charles Mingus
Thelonious Monk