Some of the grooviest work ever cut by Brazilian trombonist Waltel Branco – a set that's very different than just about anything he ever put on record, and which is also material used in an early 70s TV series as well! The sound here is kind of a criss-cross between some of the cool Brazilian arranging styles of the time – the sorts of backings you'd hear on records by folks like Marcos Valle or Edu Lobo – mixed with some of the groovier European soundtrack modes of the period – especially Italy and France, and the great way those scenes really messed with production and instrumental styles. There's more than a few funky cuts here – making the album a real treasure in Branco's catalog – and almost all tracks are instrumental – but the set does feature one vocal number, "Frustracao", sung by Arlete Salles. Other titles include "I Giorni Dell'Ira", "200 MPH", "Bandinha", "Diana", "Tema De Ricardinho", "Tema De Abertura", "Efeito", "Back Ground", and "Zorro". (Brazil, Sound Library) CD

A funky sound library gem from Nick Ingman – not to be confused with the other Big Beat records from the KPM label – as this set's got an even sharper, hipper vibe overall! Keyboards are in the lead on most numbers – although they get lots of support from the beats promised in the title – as Fender Rhodes, clavinet, and other keyboards soar out in a range of modes that even includes a few moogy moments that are especially nice! Instrumentation is lean overall, although still with all that strong sense of arrangement that can make even larger groups from these golden British years so great. Lots of funky instrumentals throughout – with titles that include "Strike", "Down Home", "Thrust", "Snatch", "Trip Wire", "Overtone", "Smooth", "Long Line", "Throng", and "Orgy". CD