[1][2][3][4] Robert Palmer of The New York Times noted that the album "is steeped in the two altoists' rhythm-and-blues roots and should delight anyone who has enjoyed the World Saxophone Quartet in concert.

"[8] A writer for Billboard remarked: "Lake and Hemphill require intense concentration, but to the patient, open-minded listener, their efforts can be rewarding.

"[9] The Globe and Mail opined that "some of the music, especially the tune 'Buster Bee', is bebop 30 years later, after Ornette Coleman and after Anthony Braxton...

Both players are near the top of their game, with subtle liquid phrasing giving way to impassioned cries on a moment's notice.

"[5] Author Gary Giddins stated that, although "solo and duo wind recitals were commonplace" at the time of the recording, Buster Bee is "one of the best," showing Hemphill's "strong yet uncompromising individual link to Charlie Parker.