Simple Pleasure
Vincent Herring · 2001
59 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of bebop and contemporary jazz that showcases intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Simple Pleasure — This title track encapsulates the album's ethos, blending intricate rhythms with melodic exploration that showcases Herring's improvisational prowess.
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Once in a Lifetime — The track features an uplifting melody paired with rich harmonic progressions, highlighting the collaborative synergy among the musicians.
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Sophisticated Lady — A reinterpretation of the classic Duke Ellington piece, this rendition emphasizes Herring's lyrical style and deep emotional connection to the music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album displays strong compositions and skilled improvisation but lacks broader cultural reach.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of complex chord progressions that shift unexpectedly, particularly in tracks like 'Sophisticated Lady' and 'There Is No Greater Love'.
- Each track showcases extended improvisational sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written melodies.
- The first half of the album maintains a brisk tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces, creating a dynamic flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intricate melodies for detail lovers
- dynamic improvisation for active listeners
- late-night reflective ambiance
- vibrant energy for social gatherings
- patient explorations of sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2001, Simple Pleasure is Vincent Herring's sixth album and marks a period of artistic maturity following his earlier works. By this time, Herring had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, known for his virtuosic alto saxophone playing and contributions to various notable ensembles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Eric Alexander· David Hazeltine· Joe Lovano
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Loop 6:05
- 2 Once in a Lifetime 8:07
- 3 Simple Pleasure 5:59
- 4 Sophia Marie 5:29
- 5 Rounder's Mood 6:04
- 6 Sophisticated Lady 5:35
- 7 Straight Street 6:10
- 8 Holly's Secret 7:43
- 9 There Is No Greater Love 8:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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