On the album, Rudd and Toro are accompanied by drummer, percussionist Bobby Sanabria and his ensemble Ascensión.

El Espíritu Jíbaro is a continuation of the cross-cultural experiments that Rudd began pursuing with 2002's Malicool and 2005's Blue Mongol.

[1][2][3] In a review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow wrote: "The rhythm sections... are full of power and effortless polyrhythms, there are occasional vocals, and the personnel and instrumentation change from cut to cut, holding one's interest throughout.

"[2] Brent Burton of Jazz Times stated that Rudd's "trombone playing has seldom sounded so good," while Toro "can't help but elevate the setting.

"[4] The Village Voice's Francis Davis commented: "There are no slavish bows to 'authenticity' here: Though the adjoining 'Preludo' and 'El Amor' are respectively identified as a marcha/danza moderna and a bolero moruno in the liner notes, Rudd's arrangements and baleful solos transform them into dirge-like anthems as stirring as the ones Carla Bley showcased him on in the '70s.