Recording: Aline Homzy & Co.

Artist: Aline Homzy & Co.

Songs: Sister Mary-Ellen + Weird Nightmare [composer: Charles Mingus]

Recorded at The Tranzac's Southern Cross Lounge (Ghostgirl residency), June 11, 2024.

Aline Homzy & Co. - Sister Mary-Ellen

Aline Homzy & Co. - Weird Nightmare

The second instalment of Aline Homzy's Ghostgirl residency saw her joined again by Michael Davidson on vibes, as well as Julian Anderson-Bowes on double bass and Aidan McConnell on drums. Once more there was a mix of spectral stories and songs — though the first one here is not a ghost story, but rather a fond remembrance of a former neighbour, while the on-point latter selection was also a spotlight for Anderson-Bowes.

[The Ghostgirl residency continues in the Southern Cross on Tuesday, July 9th, this time with Aline Homzy joined by Devon Henderson, Aidan McConnell, Michael Davidson and Steven Noronha.]

Recording: Homzy/Mackie/Davidson

Artist: Aline Homzy/Allan Mackie/Michael Davidson

Songs: Ghosts [composer: Albert Ayler] + Hanakotoba^*

Recorded at The Tranzac's Southern Cross Lounge (Ghostgirl residency), May 14, 2024.

Aline Homzy/Allan Mackie/Michael Davidson - Ghosts

Aline Homzy/Allan Mackie/Michael Davidson - Hanakotoba

Although staying busy with her étoile magique ensemble, violinist Aline Homzy is making time for other musical investigations, including this newly-launched Tranzac residency. The goal here is to not only stretch out as a writer and storyteller — a pair of ghost stories were shared in this set — but also to investigate the many ways that ghost stories and spirits intersect with music. Homzy's gusto suggests that there's a lot of material to be investigated in the months ahead.

[Ghostgirl will be back at the Tranzac next Tuesday (June 11th), while Etoile Magique will be at Hirut Café on Friday, June 21st.]

^* Do note that this is a different composition — albeit with the same title — as the piece on Homzy's étoile magique album.

Recording: Michael Davidson

Artist: Michael Davidson

Song: The Search [composer: David Friedman]

Recorded at The Tranzac's Southern Cross Lounge (Ghostgirl residency), May 14, 2024.

Michael Davidson - The Search

A surprise opening set at this first instalment of Aline Homzy's Ghostgirl residency saw Michael Davidson in solo mode — and also in a reflective frame of mind. Playing some of his older compositions, as well as influential pieces like this, was a pleasing glimpse into what-makes-you-tick territory.