My Ideal: A Tribute to Chet Baker Sings

Released in 2022, My Ideal: A Tribute to Chet Baker Sings marks a significant stylistic pivot for Amos Lee. Known primarily for his blend of folk, soul, and Americana, Lee uses this project to pay direct homage to Chet Baker's 1954 landmark vocal debut. The album features 16 tracks that meticulously recreate the tracklist and atmosphere of the original sessions. Critics, including Matt Collar of AllMusic, noted the unexpected nature of the project given Lee's 'countryfied' roots but praised the lustrous quality of his vocal performance. Recorded with a deep emphasis on analog warmth and minimalist arrangements, the album highlights Lee's technical versatility as a jazz vocalist. It serves as both a historical document of Lee's influences and a standalone piece of 'easy listening' soul-jazz that emphasizes mood over technical bravado. The project was highlighted by jazz outlets like WBGO for its successful interpretation of the Great American Songbook.