[1] The album mixed Ayler's familiar tenor saxophone playing with elements from R&B and other genres, including a soul horn section, backing singers, and rock electric bass.

"[5] AllMusic Guide's Al Campbell nevertheless calls the album "misunderstood", speculating that Impulse had encouraged Ayler to go in a more commercial direction, and he had willingly acquiesced.

"[4] Fred Thomas, writing for Pitchfork, attempted to place the album in perspective, commenting: "This certainly wasn't jazz of any kind, but was too overstimulated and confused to pass for the Woodstock-generation rock'n'roll it was trying to emulate.

"[2] In an article for Glide Magazine, Jim Hynes stated: "As edgy and far-out that Ayler was for many, New Grass in some respects was his most accessible album.

Yet, even though it was misunderstood and virtually hated by critics and fans alike, it has ironically stood the test time and become a landmark album of sorts... Jazz and even avant-garde was well accepted and established while soul music was viewed by many as primitive.

Ayler challenged these norms by melding the two in this adventurous outing, filled with joyous grooves, unbridled passionate vocals, and surprising arrangements.