Jamal wrote of the album, "It includes my solo version of “Poinciana”, recorded between takes during our session for “Marseille”.

My original version remains one of the most successful recordings in the history of instrumental music; and one of the most plagiarized.

"[2] In a review for KCRW, Tom Schnabel writes, "Ballades was released only at the insistence of Jamal’s executive producer, Seydou Barry, and we are fortunate to have it.

"[3] Dan Bilawsky writes for All About Jazz, "His calling cards—vamping moorings, dancing lines, intelligent restraint, mastery over time, orchestral visions, a Midas touch—all play a part in the production.

Originals like "Because I Love You," with the in-and-out left hand ostinatos lighting the way, and "Whisperings," with both seductive and scampering charms, mark Jamal as a man wholly comfortable in his skin.