Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The seeds of Switch can be traced back to White Heat, who were named and managed by the incomparable Barry White, and though the funky group never fully reached the heights in deserved, that didn’t stop founder Gregory Williams from giving it another shot.

The  Mansfield, Ohio-native and drummer Jody Sims made the leap to Los Angeles, and within two weeks of arriving, they not only met Jermaine Jackson, but he brought them to Motown/Gordy Records where they were signed by Berry Gordy, Jr.

Though Switch looks a little different now, especially after the passing of both Bobby DeBarge and Tommy DeBarge (of the future “Rhythm Of The Night” family), they sounded practically identical to the late 1970s and ‘80s when singles were steadily flowing and albums were selling by the millions.

In addition to keyboardist/vocalist Williams, the revived line-up features fellow originals/keyboard players/singers Phillip Ingram and Eddie Fluellen, early session player turned official guitarist Michael McGloiry, plus latter editions Akili Nickson (vocals), James Strong (bass) and Tefere Hazy (drums).

Together, they made sure the always sophisticated and entirely sold out City Winery knew “I Wanna Be With You,” while oozing additional soulfulness throughout “There’ll Never Be,” “Love Over And Over Again,” “You And I” and “Best Beat In Town.”

During the band introductions, the audience learned a little bit about each individual musician’s many outside collaborations and were likewise treated to a few snippets as examples, such as McGloiry working with Leon Haywood, who wrote Carl Carlton’s “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked).”

Another famous familial tie came via Phillip Ingram, brother of late R&B/pop great James Ingram, so it was only natural to lead Switch through the beautiful ballad “Just Once” in honor of his relatively recent passing.

As far as other slow jams were concerned, the Jermaine Jackson-penned “I Wanna Be Closer” was another winner, yet there was no topping “I Call Your Name” and the flawless, practically superhuman falsetto of Nickson as the City Winery roared in approval over the latest chapter in the exceptional Switch story.

For additional information on Switch visit SwitchEntertainmentWorld.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Bubbles & Beauties Drag Brunch (Aug. 27); Midnight Sun Presents “A Tribute To The Elements: Earth, Wind & Fire” (Aug. 27); Musiq Soulchild (Aug. 28, 29, 31 and Sept. 1); The Shades and Ernie Halter (Aug. 30); Bilal (Sept. 4-5); Chicago Blues Divas (Sept. 6); Meagan McNeal (Sept. 7); Michelle Buteau (Sept. 8-9); Brunch & Beats (Sept. 9); Beatles Brunch (Sept. 10); Theo Croker (Sept. 10); Joe Mande (Sept. 11); Steve’N’Seagulls (Sept. 12); Chris Kattan (Sept. 13); Karyn White (Sept. 14); Goapele (Sept. 15); Joyce Hurley (Sept. 16) and Malinda (Sept. 17). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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