Vic man in custody over musician assault

A homeless Melbourne man has briefly faced court charged with assaulting an American musician, who suffered a fractured skull and broken jaw.

Enea Myrteza, 27, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday after the alleged attack on Oscar E Villagrana in Preston on March 27.

The 32-year-old Californian jazz musician, a ukulele and trumpet player, also has bleeding on the brain.

Myrteza has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence and intentionally causing serious injury to the musician.

Mr Villagrana was allegedly followed off a tram and chased around a vacant car park and bashed until unconscious, police have said.

Myrteza has also been charged with committing an indictable offence while on bail.

He appeared expressionless during Friday's short filing hearing.

The court was told CCTV footage would form part of the case.

Myrteza did not apply for bail and will reappear in court on June 24 for a committal case conference.