[1][2][3][4] In a review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow wrote: "The close interplay between the musicians makes the frequently avant-garde music seem more accessible than expected and Abdullah is heard throughout in prime form.

"[1] Bill Shoemaker of JazzTimes called the group "one serious band," and stated: "there is close to an hour of cogent, undiluted music on Dedication, a claim that too few albums in this glutted market can make.

"[6] Writing for All About Jazz, Derek Taylor commented: "Tributes, particularly musical ones, can be a tricky enterprise and reconciling a reverence for the dedicatee with one's own creative vision is often a delicate balance.

Abdullah and his bandmates attain such a harmony on this disc juggling their love for Moffett with their own restlessly creative energies to produce a testament of moving depth and passion.

"[4] The authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings remarked: "the music has a cheerful, celebratory feel, old-fashioned like a free-bop date of 25 years before, and it's quite a warming experience.