Good things come to those who wait, and the critical response to Nebulosa (Cleanfeed 2010), the debut CD from Porto bassist Hugo Carvalhais, has been fulsome in its praise. Two of Portugal’s finest prospects, pianist Gabriel Pinto and drummer Mario Costa form the core of Nebulosa and joining them is the darkly compelling Lithuanian tenor saxophonist Liudas Mockunas, last heard at 12 Points leading the Saga Quartet. Carvalhais is that increasingly rare bird in today’s jazz world, a self taught musician. That singular path along with a background in painting and fine art has fostered an independent musical personality that has a real affinity for the jazz bass tradition. His writing is elegant and restrained, and the rapport with his fellow musicians comes through in open and textured ensemble playing that has moments of profound lyricism.