[7] In a review for AllMusic, Alex Henderson wrote: "Simmons' playing is delightfully uninhibited and free-spirited on four original compositions... That isn't to say that Staying on the Watch is an exercise in atonal chaos...

"[4] Writing for All About Jazz, Raul D'Gama Rose commented: "Sonny Simmons embraces music with his whole body, soul, mind and spirit; that much is clear from Staying on the Watch... Simmons has always stood in the future to look back at his lonely African-ness, and he coaxed a storm to remind anyone who would listen that the harshness of life could be turned into something raw, beautiful and memorable for its beauty rather than its ugliness...

"[5] In a separate article for All About Jazz, Jerry D'Souza wrote: "Sonny Simmons... could fathom a cry of anguish just as easily as he could herald a shout of joy, as he created an ambience that spread its wings to encompass melody and lyricism.

This balance is seen to advantage on Staying on the Watch... Simmons had the perfect musical partner in trumpeter Barbara Donald, his wife at the time.

Pianist John Hicks was in the early stages of his career; his melodic touch is, nevertheless, in evidence and he plays a key role in the development of these compositions... Simmons stands tall as he marks his territory, with freedom and restraint, in a potent program.