how far do you sit from your speakers?

Yes you need to be sitting well away from any wall - 2 feet is a minimum - 4 feet or more is best.

As I lay back the chair, or keep it upright, the presentation alters. Noticeably.

Not surprising - when you get close to a wall there is significant variation in sound quality reaching your ears. It is especially noticeable in the bass.

The other effect of reclining is your own ears - unless your pinna is able to rotate like a dog would do (cock an ear and turn it toward the sound)

I'm well off the back wall nearly 10ft or so. unless you meant due to the chair back being above my head a little bit.

Then you are in an excellent position. The head rest on a recliner will not have much effect if it is soft and rounded. A high back that partly surrounds your head would not be good.