The record is the first album to feature pianist and future Peanuts composer Vince Guaraldi leading his own quartet rather than augmenting other established groups.

[2] DownBeat gave the album a 3-star review, and highlighted Dr. Funk: "Guaraldi is a swinging two-hander who plays with a firm touch and good command.

"[3] AllMusic critic Scott Yanow noted, "five originals and two standards are performed in fine cool jazz fashion.

Bang added that it is "a sassy, fast-paced romp with echoes of Fats Waller's 'Jitterbug Waltz'."

Bang also highlighted "Calling Dr. Funk", as "a loose, smoky, mildly dirty blues number that sounds like a theme song: probably not accidental, because the title referenced the nickname—Dr.