With “Love Is Simple,” Jeremy Pelt returns to the art of balladry, distilling eight deeply felt performances into his first vinyl-only anthology and shining a light on one of the most quietly persuasive sides of his artistry. Drawn from his HighNote recordings, the set favors emotional honesty over grandstanding, pairing a few familiar titles with lesser-known gems that reward close listening. From Pelt’s own disarmingly direct title track to relaxed, assured readings of songs by Rodgers & Hart, Jule Styne, Adams & Strouse, and Marian McPartland, the music unfolds with patience, grace, and a deep sense of purpose. Recorded primarily at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder Studio and featuring a heavyweight cast including George Cables, Buster Williams, Billy Hart and others, these sessions offer a rare balance of warmth and clarity, leaving plenty of room for breath, nuance, and atmosphere. Long celebrated as one of jazz’s most eloquent ballad players, Pelt