If you work with loops, and you'd like to explore Brazilian rhythms and instrumentation, this set of 323 loops by renowned Brazilian drummer and percussionist Celso Alberti will more than fill the bill. Besides working with a host of major artists from Airto Moreira and Flora Purim to Steve Winwood, Alberti is an accomplished recording engineer—as reflected in the sound quality of the 24-bit loops included with Celso Alberti Brazilian Drums Volume 1 ($39 retail). The rhythms, which range in tempo from 75 to 130, include samba, bossa nova, partido alto, baião, afoxê and xote. The many instruments include shakers, surdos, pandeiros, reco recos, and tamborims. ReFill, WAV, REX2, and AIFF (Apple Loops) formats are supported. The Reason 5 ReFill version features 30 Dr. Octo Rex patches containing eight loop variations and multiple fills organized by groove and tempo, along with individual instrument samples designed for use with Kong Drum Designer (three patches) and ReDrum (four patches), or any other sample player.

I had a blast experimenting with these loops. The rhythms are totally infectious and the audio quality inspiring. The many variations on particular rhythms, and the fills and other elements made it easy to construct convincing percussion parts both for particular compositions and for just practicing guitar parts along with traditional rhythms as an enjoyable and educational experience. Celso Alberti's playing embodies a sublime confluence of technical mastery and creative brilliance—captured in this Brazilian Loop Collection like rhythmic lightning in digital bottles. The Loop Loft.