Flávio Silva: Eko

Flávio Silva, the talented Brazilian, New York-based guitarist and composer, has electrified his beloved Brazilian jazz with EKO, released on his own Break Free Records. This third album follows the artist's 2018 release, Break Free, and delves even deeper into the fusion sound which has always been a simmering ingredient in his musical brew.

The album bursts open with "Motaba," a track which crackles with energy. Silva's guitar work is intricate, weaving seamlessly with Gabriel Gaiardo's Fender Rhodes. The rhythm section, led by Cuca Teixeira on drums and Sidiel Vieira on bass, propels the groove forward. The dark guitar tone, while brooding, adds an edge that should keep listeners on their toes, as if they are navigating a musical tightrope.

"Heroes and Friends" presents a captivating blend of searing guitar textures and jazz/blues phrasings which contrast with the rhythm section's buoyancy, eventually morphing into a lightly swinging gait. Silva's deliberate avoidance of upper register moments adds tension, but Gaiardo's breakout on the Fender Rhodes shifts the tone dramatically. It is like watching a tightrope walker navigate a thin line between light and shadow, adding a thrilling unpredictability to the track.

"To Blade and Cowherd" evokes pastoral imagery, and Silva's guitar paints a rustic landscape. His earthy qualities blend seamlessly with the ensemble. While the darkness persists, it is not oppressive—it is the shadow under a sprawling tree on a sunny day, offering a cool respite from the heat.

"Sunflower" exudes melodic warmth. Silva's guitar, like a sun-kissed petal, unfurls gently, while the keyboardist stretches out on the electric piano with a highly revved solo up and down the keyboard. The track is a delightful blend of introspection and exuberance.

In summary, EKO is an album which warrants active listening. The dark guitar tone, rather than detracting, becomes an integral part of the narrative. It is a chiaroscuro painting—a play of light and shadow. Whether listeners embrace it as a positive or negative aspect depends on their musical palates.