[15] The Democrat and Chronicle stated: "It says a lot about Sonny Rollins' ability and physical stamina that he can release a collection of live recordings, captured over three decades, and show little or no drop-off in power and inventiveness as he ages from his early 50s into his late 70s.

[19] The Winnipeg Free Press wrote that each song "is a gem that confirms that Rollins onstage in full improvisatory flight is one of the ultimate jazz experiences.

"[9] JazzTimes concluded: "If the Road Shows series maintains the high standard established by this first volume, it is destined to become one of the great live-album projects of jazz, ranking right up there with Miles Davis' Plugged Nickel sets and Coltrane's Village Vanguard recordings.

"[21] Robert Christgau determined that Rollins's "tenor sound [has] grown huge and warm without a hint of corn syrup ... his astonishing cadenzas and unaccompanied improvs are the most generous kind of high shtick.

"[16] The Wall Street Journal noted that Rollins's "intensity of focus, the depth and breadth of his musical references (revealed through both direct quotation and subtle implication), and the sheer visceral pleasures he offers during a solo are simply unmatched.