[6] He was backed by pianist Mulgrew Miller, trumpeter Wallace Roney, bass players Bob Hurst and Ira Coleman, and saxophonist Bill Pierce.

[12] The Chicago Tribune called the album a "swinging, if slightly emotionally detached recording.

"[9] The Gazette noted that "Williams writes long, intricate arrangements that—along with his tendency to bash the stuffing out of his drums—have tended to suffocate his young employees on past outings...

"[19] The Los Angeles Times concluded that "the title track's moody, rainy day flavor and the sassy but overextended blues strut of 'Juicy Fruit' are high spots on an album that's long on expert craftsmanship but a bit short on dynamic flair.

"[15] The Windsor Star determined that "the Williams splash and verve are at the centre of all the music but it finally does not wholly free itself from its laid-back bounce.