A Pegada Agora É Essa aka The Sway Now is the critically acclaimed sophomore album by drummer turned trombonist turned bandleader Antonio Neves. He’s been a prolific hired gun for years, touring with some of Brazil’s most celebrated pop and jazz musicians. I first came across his work as the producer of the incredible 2019 breakout album by Ana Frango Elétrico. Much like that album, The Sway Now has become one of my most played records over the years.

I can’t say I’m familiar with many jazz trombonists, in Brazilian popular music or elsewhere. That’s a piece of what makes this album unique for sure. He debuted as a trombone player on 2017s Pa7 which is great as well. It’s his skill as an arranger and bandleader that really comes into his own on this record. After much time in the industry but not much time spent on his own material, Neves was ready to make a collaborative all-star bandleader record and a major solo statement at the same time and this record is both of those things.

This is a wildly varied and dynamic samba-jazz record that employs a huge range of rhythms and a pronounced influence of more modern funk and hip-hop. Its big beats and genre bending grooves recall the most prescient moments of Arthur Verocai or Banda Black Rio while taking full advantage of the decades of music since. It’s a very fun and very dramatic record with lots of guests and an excellent mix of tempos and vibes, and it takes a strong voice as a bandleader and arranger to keep the album as cohesive and classy as it is.

Years later and I still have so much fun listening to this album. I also pull singles from it more than most records. It feels like there’s a song on here for everyone and every vibe while still very much working as a long player. This is a special record that any fans of jazz fusion or Brazilian music shouldn’t miss.