[4][5] Baker fell off the roof of his Parker, Colorado, home three days prior to the start of the Seattle recording sessions; he played while dealing with the effects of a concussion and a broken rib.

[18] The Globe and Mail said that "Baker and Haden work wonderfully together at times ... but they can also bump along heavily, turning this esoteric set of originals and bebop classics ... into a rather hit-and-miss proposition.

"[19] The Hartford Courant stated that the album "has a sparse, clear sound that effectively mixes elegance with power.

"[20] The Ottawa Citizen opined that it "lacks the grace of its predecessor—substituting bombast for energy, and broad gestures for wry wit.

"[21] Stereo Review said that "the performances are trim and full of snap, thanks in no small part to the uncommon melodic lilt of Baker's rhythmic punctuations...