The title track of Stephen Riley's 2019 album, "I Remember You" presents Victor Schertzinger's classic standard in a Latin-inflected setting that highlights the trio's distinctive sound. Composed by Schertzinger with lyrics by Johnny Mercer for the 1942 film The Fleet's In, the tune follows a 36-bar AABA form in E-flat at approximately 133 BPM. Riley opens the album with two choruses of unaccompanied-feeling tenor saxophone improvisation, establishing the relaxed, melodically inventive approach that defines the entire session. His Lester Young-influenced tone and behind-the-beat phrasing give the performance an unhurried quality that draws the listener in. Guitarist Vic Juris follows with two choruses of electric guitar that bring a warm, complementary voice to the music. Bassist Jay Anderson contributes a single chorus of acoustic bass improvisation. The 36-bar form provides slightly more harmonic territory than a standard 32-bar tune, and the Latin feel adds a gentle rhythmic underpinning that supports the trio's conversational approach. As the album's title track, this recording sets the tone for an entire session devoted to standards played with intimacy, lyricism, and deep respect for the jazz tradition. The pianoless format allows for maximum transparency and melodic freedom.
