Nuno Costa: Detox

Young Lisbon-based, Portuguese guitarist Nuno Costa, delivers his third album as leader with the airy and very modern-like Detox boasting seven intricate originals performed by an all-European crew in a sextet format. This is not your typical straight-ahead material having discernable melodies and rhythms of the bebop or other traditional jazz nature. Costa designs compositions that are provocative and intelligent, leaning towards the fusion or edgy modern jazz style with a bit of the free-style flavor in the mix.

The beginning "Hum...?" sets the stage for what's to follow as the group—comprised of an alto saxophonist, trumpeter, piano, bass and drum set voices—chimes in on a piece where Costa's guitar is rarely heard performing more of a supporting role than leader. The guitarist makes his presence quite evident on the very light and humbling "Volando Sobre Um Ninho de Vespa" as does Joao Guimaraes on alto and Joao Moeira on the trumpet.

The music continues to roll with much the same texture on the following "Sr. Puto," and on "A Vespa Contra-Ataca" where Costa separates himself from the rest of the band with light and warm solos on the intro version of the tune which is decidedly different than the actual long version of the almost fusion-sounding piece.

The album closes in much the same fashion as it began with the down-tempo "Desespero Do Embalo" and the dark "Vespa: O Ataque Final" which, unwittingly adds to the airy and somewhat cerebral aspect of the recording. Nuno Costa's special Detox recording may not be for everyone but, will certainly find a place with the discerning aficionado who can appreciate the sophisticated musical message being conveyed here.