As the musicians had to pay for the studio time (a result of a rather modest contract with Prestige), their recordings are practically live.

"[3] Reid Miles designed the album's cover and Phil Hays provided the illustration.

[4] In a review for AllMusic, Lindsay Planer wrote: "As these recordings demonstrate, there is an undeniable telepathic cohesion that allows this band... to work so efficiently both on the stage and the studio...

"[5] Chris May of All About Jazz commented: "Cookin' may not have had the big budget and glossy marketing CBS brought to Davis' subsequent releases, but... it contains some of the most alive and moving music he ever recorded... His lyricism remains dark and brooding, but it's so rich it sings.

"[12] Writing for The Music Box, John Metzger called the album "essential," stating that it "precisely showcased the ensemble's full range and potential," and praising the "absolutely extraordinary" communication amongst the musicians.