[2] In a review for AllMusic, Thom Jurek wrote: "The Adornment of Time... is among the most aptly titled improvised recordings in many years...

Instead, the album makes good on ideals at the heart of the free-improv tradition—including equality and adaptiveness—that are often paid lip service, if not always easily heard.

"[5] Karl Ackermann of All About Jazz called the album "extraordinary," and remarked: "Sorey and Crispell are known for their exceptional ability to listen and to empathize with colleagues.

"[6] Michael Rosenstein of Dusted Magazine stated that the "notion of 'mindful decision making' is evident throughout as the two build measured waves of tension and release.

"[7] Adam Shatz, writing for The New York Review, described the album as "gorgeous," and stated that, over the duration of the piece, "the collaboration’s architecture comes into radiant focus, gradually acquiring such physical power that you feel a kind of shock, and even sorrow, when it ends.