[1][2] In a review for AllMusic, Steve Loewy wrote: "This might be a good introduction for those who have heard of Mateen but are unfamiliar with his work.

"[3] The authors of the Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings awarded the album 3½ stars, and stated: "by the time Mateen and Drake are firing on all cylinders, this is a scorching session and the closing piece, 'New Life Dance', makes half an hour seem like seconds.

Most importantly both men treat their meeting not as an academic exercise or technique-driven cutting contest, but instead as an ebullient chance to blow... Drake and Mateen have done something not many can do.

They've taken a framework many of their peers are justly wary of and breathed fresh life into it - testament to both their abilities as improvisers and the synergy they share as musical brothers.

"[5] One Final Note's Jay Collins wrote: "This is a constantly intriguing release... these passionate and convincing artists put forth this music in an interactive and delightfully exposed manner.