On the album, Rudd is joined by clarinetist Kenny Davern, saxophonists Steve Lacy and Tyrone Washington, trumpeter Enrico Rava, vocalist Sheila Jordan, pianist Patti Bown, guitarist and vocalist Louisiana Red, bassist Wilbur Little, and drummers Jordan Steckel and Paul Motian.

"[3] "It's Happening" was part of a suite from the mid-1970s that was dedicated to Albert Ayler, while "Blues For the Planet Earth" and "You Blew It" were a reaction to "garbage scows polluting New York Harbor.

"[4] In a separate AAJ review of the 2006 reissue, Clifford Allen commented: "Blown Bone cements the breadth and diversity of Rudd's art...

"[6] The authors of the Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings awarded the album 4 stars, and singled out "It's Happening" for praise, stating that it is "almost worth the whole set," and expressing admiration for "a completely outrageous Lacy solo which seems to use the entire range of the horn.

"[5] Dan Warburton, writing for Paris Transatlantic, called the group a "stellar 1976 pick-up band," and stated: "Not a great album but a darn good one.