Coltrane on tenor saxophone is accompanied by Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Art Taylor on drums.

The material the quartet recorded on this session were extended interpretations of three popular songs and "Little Melonae", a classic bebop tune written by Jackie McLean.

Anyone who likes the mainstream jazz of the '50s, or Miles' music of that time, or Coltrane fans who want to hear their idol in an easygoing context, should pick this up.

"[3] The authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings stated that, in comparison with Soultrane, Settin' the Pace "is much less venturesome and might easily be mistaken for a second-string selection from the same date.

"[4] Justin Gawaziuk of All About Jazz commented: "Settin' the Pace may not be the definitive lyrical album..., but it still ranks close to [Coltrane's] best work.