Allmusic reviewed the album stating "Altoist Vincent Herring is in top form throughout the driving bebop/hard bop date Simple Pleasure ... Herring has rarely sounded more fiery and inspired. This is one of his finest recordings to date".[2]JazzTimes observed "Vincent Herring’s aptly named Simple Pleasures offers the listener just that. Neither groundbreaking nor overly challenging in its repertory or its execution, this up-dated hard-bop session offers the satisfaction of highly competent performers playing straightforward material at the top of their form".[4]All About Jazz noted "This record shows with clarity the depth and maturity of these players. These are very self-assured, convincing and yet graceful jazz musicians and who moreover, work together in uncommon synergy ... This is still Herring's record though, and he plays the horn up and down, showing a more aggressive side".[5]
Track listing
All compositions by Vincent Herring except where noted