Stephen Riley's interpretation of Richard Whiting's "My Ideal" on the 2019 album I Remember You is a tender ballad performance that highlights the tenor saxophonist's gift for intimate, lyrical playing. The tune follows a compact 16-bar AA-prime form in E-flat at a gentle ballad tempo of approximately 54 BPM, creating a hushed atmosphere that rewards patience and melodic sensitivity. Riley's single chorus of tenor saxophone improvisation is deeply influenced by the Lester Young school of ballad playing, with a breathy, vocal-like tone and an unhurried approach to phrasing that allows each note to resonate fully. Guitarist Vic Juris follows with two choruses of electric guitar that explore the tune's harmonic beauty with a similarly restrained sensibility. Bassist Jay Anderson contributes a single chorus of acoustic bass improvisation, maintaining the intimate mood. The absence of piano in the ensemble places greater responsibility on each musician to imply the harmony through their melodic choices, and all three rise to the challenge with performances of quiet eloquence. The recording exemplifies Riley's commitment to the tradition of lyrical tenor saxophone playing, connecting his music to a lineage that extends from Lester Young through Stan Getz and beyond.
