On the album, Ragin is joined by bass clarinetist David Murray, pianist Craig Taborn, bassist Jaribu Shahid, and drummers Bruce Cox and Andrew Cyrille.

"[1][2][3][4] In a review for AllMusic, Michael G. Nastos called the album a "gem of a CD," and wrote: "Ragin effectively utilizes moderate lyricism and a bright, warm, well-rounded tone, stretching phrases and elongating ideas...

"[1] The authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings praised Ragin's "considerable range" and "full, almost vocalized tone," and stated that he "has grown steadily in stature since his first appearances as a leader.

Ragin then spends the remainder of the quartet performances slyly stretching the program to encompass free bop, avantish ballad forms, and envelope-pushing structures.

"[6] A reviewer for All About Jazz noted that Ragin's "total mastery of the trumpet allows him to deliver crystal clear melodies, blistering solos, and twisted screaming avant interludes without hesitation...