High Priestess of Soul

Perhaps a bit more conscious of contemporary soul trends than her previous Philips albums, this is still very characteristic of her mid-'60s work in its eclectic mix of jazz, pop, soul, and some blues and gospel. Hal Mooney directs some large band arrangements for the material on this LP without submerging Simone's essential strengths. The more serious and introspective material is more memorable than the good-natured pop selections here. The highlights are her energetic vocal rendition of the Oscar Brown/Nat Adderley composition "Work Song" and her spiritual composition "Come Ye," on which Simone's inspirational vocals are backed by nothing other than minimal percussion. Tracklist: A1 – Don't You Pay Them No Mind (03:00) A2 – I'm Gonna Leave You (02:17) A3 – Brown Eyed Handsome Man (02:01) A4 – Keeper Of The Flame (03:20) A5 – The Gal From Joe's (02:42) A6 – Take Me To The Water (02:49) B1 – I'm Going Back Home (02:47) B2 – I Hold No Grudge (02:18) B3 – Come Ye (03:35) B4 – He Ain't Comin' Home No More (03:09) B5 – Work Song (03:04) B6 – I Love My Baby (04:03)