A great double album of composed jazz-rock/classical music from the bass player of Hermeto Pascoal's group! Now, just knowing that this guy can play with Hermeto tells you he's got chops to spare, but that's not what this is about. Mix part Carla Bley(Escalator Over the Hill - but no vocals), Villa-Lobos (Forest of the Amazon), Chick Corea (his more 'serious' stuff) and you kinda get the picture. But remember this guy is totally Brazilian! He makes difficult and intricate arrangements sound light & fun! You listen to this initially for the melodies and only after a passage goes by do you realize that it was meticulously composed and then your mind goes "wow"! Some mind-blowing solos to be sure (especially the incredible keyboard work that sounds like Chick Corea but with the abandon of youth gone wild!) but the emphasis here is clearly on the amazing ensemble writing. The Orquestra Familia is the name given to the ensemble which is clearly made up of enthusiastic young players (witness the photo on the tray card). Suffice to say that if you like well-composed music for a large ensemble, played with fire and conviction, with a few well-placed and incredible solos then you will love this excellent disc. This is probably the best album we have heard here at ZNR for at least 2 years and we hear ALOT of music! Highly recommended!!