Boss for a day could describe guitarist Graham Dechter. A member of the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, the Los Angeles native fronts a quartet that includes his bosses, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, for his second release as a leader, Takin’ It There (Capri Records, 2012).

It’s Dechter’s second romp with the ensemble, which is completed by pianist Tamir Hendelman. It’s been a while since Dechter’s debut, Right on Time (Capri Records, 2009). The new release is worth the wait.

The set begins with a swinging take on Wes Montgomery’s “Road Song.” Dechter’s play here can be compared to Montgomery’s style – also that of George Benson or Lee Ritenour. A highlight of the piece comes about two minutes in when the guitar gets put through a series of rapid-fire phrases. The rhythm section provides plenty of sass.

The quartet delivers on the Dechter/Hendelman arrangement of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Chega de Saudade (No More Blues).” Hendleman leads for much of the way. The arrangement shifts from a classical introduction to traditional Brazilian style to free-spirited play with Dechter out front and the others firmly locked in.

Clayton penned the sassy groove, “Grease for Graham,” a bluesy, finger-snapping tune. Dechter’s fingers work overtime, burning the strings. Clayton employs a walking bass line throughout.

Takin’ It There is a mix of original songs and covers, mostly the latter but devoid of the trite “American Songbook” standards. But with fresh arrangements by some combination of quartet members, all the songs sound new.