Kenny Reichert: Switch

Chicago guitarist Kenny Reichert works extremely hard to make his sound come across as casual on Switch. If you do not count the numerous discs with his partner Sara d'Ippolito Reichert, this is his third release as a leader. It follows Deep Breath (Shifting Paradigm Records, 2023) and returning from that previous outing are vocalist Alyssa Allgood and drummer Devin Drobka.

Anchored by the rock steady pulse of bassist Ethan Philion, the title track opens with Reichert and alto saxophonist Lenard Simpson cascading lockstep notes which break into free and easy individual solos. Reichert's infectious melody glides into some reposeful brushwork by Drobka as the coda. The music throughout is masterly without being showy. Reichert's compositions and arrangements confirm this by sharing the spotlight. "Midnight Sun" wraps Reichert's guitar notes around Philion's bass before giving way to a solo by the bassist. There are plenty of time and style changes with "Pivot," and "Vanguard" is the lone burner on this session. Reichert's venture into a heated distorted guitar sound on the latter piece is balanced by the chilling alto attack of Simpson.

As they say in those late-night commercials, "but wait, there's more." Reichert is joined here by Calligram chief Geof Bradfield and vocalist Alyssa Allgood. Bradfield's tenor is heard on "Cherry" and "Farewell," and he switches to bass clarinet for "Shadows." The latter track also features Allgood's sung poetic lyrics. She sings beautifully and wordlessly on "Things Ain't What They Seem" and applies both wordless and spoken word with "Aquaintance." Each track here has an unforced feel that can only come about by talent and dedication to craft.