The rear CD insert features a photo of "Big Tex", the marketing icon of the State Fair of Texas.

Bill Beuttler of JazzTimes stated, "The new disc eschews covers, both the highbrow variety and the more plebeian material that the group is renowned (and occasionally reviled) for reworking.

Much of it has a classical feel, the bluesier side of jazz mostly ignored but its improvisational interplay emphasized.

"[3] Will Layman of PopMatters noted, "At this point in its career, the Bad Plus is at the height of its powers -- commanding a following of listeners who will trust the adventure that every recording brings.

It asks a lot of listeners who may not be out-jazz hounds or classical fanatics, but it provides the pleasures of energy, melody, and honesty.