[1][2][3][4] The album is dedicated to the memory of bassist and Blue Notes member Johnny Dyani, who died on October 24, 1986, roughly eight months prior to the recording session.

When they play 'Ntyilo Ntyilo,' a traditional tune often performed by Dyani, the emotion is palpable and deep, and makes this release a fine memorial to one of the under-recognized giants of the bass.

"[1] Jazz Journal's Barry Witherden commented: "Listening to this album more often than strictly necessary for reviewing purposes it seems that it has grown even more deeply emotional, powerful, moving and enthralling... it is almost as if Dyani's bass is really there: it's not that he is not missed, more that he is so strongly present in spirit.

"[8] Bill Shoemaker of Point of Departure praised "the atmosphere of reunion and resolution" present in the music, and stated that the album "is markedly different than their memorial to Feza: With the exception of a ruminative, freely improvised duet between McGregor and Moholo, they largely revisited Dyani compositions and traditional melodies in a deliberate manner.

[10] Writing for Itineraries of a Hummingbird, Jason Weiss stated that the musicians' "presence as a trio is commanding enough that they sound like more," and commented: "the repertoire is mostly given over to Dyani's own impassioned melodies, again rendering celebration from sorrow.