Previously limited by the tight production schedules at Fantasy Records, Guaraldi gained more creative control after signing with Warner Bros.-Seven Arts.

Guaraldi played piano, electric harpsichord, and guitar on the album, supported by musicians such as Eddie Duran, Peter Marshall, Bob Maize, and Jerry Granelli.

The album also marked Guaraldi’s vocal debut on two tracks: "Black Sheep Boy" and "Reason to Believe," both covers of Tim Hardin songs.

Tracks such as "Lucifer's Lady" and "Coffee and Doe-Nuts" highlight Guaraldi's experimental tendencies, combining extended keyboard melodies with intense guitar solos.

While Guaraldi's innovative efforts were acknowledged, critics felt the album lacked cohesion and focus, with its mix of jazz, rock, and string arrangements creating a disjointed effect.

[4] In a retrospective review by Richard S. Ginell on AllMusic, he commented that Guaraldi "roams farther afield than ever — playing piano and electric harpsichord, experimenting with sleek string backdrops, dabbling with the guitar."

Ginell also called Guaraldi's "amateur Bohemian vocal" attempts at singing Tim Hardin's "Black Sheep Boy" and "Reason to Believe" "rather endearing."