In 2005 Brecker announced that he would no longer perform in public as he had myelodysplastic syndrome, which led to leukemia.

[1] Despite this, he was able to make some guest appearances the following year, and planned the recording sessions that led to this album being made.

[2] The personnel consists of Brecker, guitarist Pat Metheny, pianists Herbie Hancock and Brad Mehldau, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Jack DeJohnette.

[3] The AllMusic reviewer wrote: "This is a brilliant and inspiring album – and would be whether or not it had anything to do with the death of one of the great figures in American jazz.

"[4] The Penguin Guide to Jazz praised some of the compositions, concluded that, "as a memorial it's pretty good", but suggested that they were being generous because it was Brecker's final recording.