KENNY REICHERT

SWITCH

Calligram Records

Kenny Reichert, electric guitar/composer; Ethan Philion, acoustic bass; Devin Drobka, drums; Lenard Simpson, alto saxophone; Geof Bradfield, tenor saxophone/bass clarinet; Alyssa Allgood, vocals/spoken word.

The title tune begins with a strong and intriguing acoustic bass line by Ethan Philion. Next, the drums of Devin Drobka join in, comfortable like an arm slung over a friend’s shoulder.  There is a funk groove established, with the addition of Lenard Simpson’s alto saxophone establishing the melody. When Kenny Reichert’s electric guitar joins the group, I know right away that he is the important musical voice in the group.

In the past couple of years, Kenny Reichert, a Midwestern guitarist and composer, has attracted much attention in the Chicago, Illinois jazz community.  Leading his own bands, as well as appearing as a sideman with diverse artists around town and in studio sessions. Reichert has developed his own inventive and lyrical style.

With his wife, Sara D’Ippolito, an accomplished Italian classical guitarist, they have toured and spent several years on the road, in the USA and Europe, living first in London and later taking up residence and gigging in Berlin.

Returning to America during the pandemic years, Kenny enrolled for graduate studies at DePaul University in Chicago.  There, he began collaboration with fellow grad student, poet and singer, Alyssa Allgood and tenor saxophonist, Geof Bradfield as well as bassist, Ethan Philion.

On an original tune he calls “Things Aren’t What They Seem” we hear the sweet voice of Allgood, singing wordlessly, like a human horn.  This continues in his composition “Acquaintance” where her voice delivers the melody.  Lenard Simpson joins the arrangement on alto saxophone. On this composition, Alyssa Allgood also speaks poetry atop the track, explaining the title with her poetic essence. Then Reichert enters on guitar and lifts the arrangement with his guitar improvisational solo. A tune called “Vanguard” becomes a vehicle for Reichert’s distorted guitar to appear.  I enjoyed his composition called “Cherry” that tributes the great Don Cherry (RIP), and allows Geof Bradfield to express himself beautifully and without restraint on tenor saxophone.

This is a project full of intricate melodies, creative compositions, and arrangements that maximize Kenny Reichert’s guitar mastery. They also spotlight the talented musicians who interpret his songs and establish a group sound that is both entertaining and memorable.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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