One critic called it "the sound of the modern, progressive big band at its pinnacle.

"[3] Jones's band was an outgrowth of the orchestra used in the Broadway show Free and Easy and featured some of the personnel that Jones assembled in New York for the show's European dates.

[5] The core band consists of Phil Woods, Melba Liston, Julius Watkins, and bassist Milt Hinton and pianist Patricia Bown on two sessions, with bassist Buddy Catlett and pianist Bobby Scott on another.

The trumpet chairs are held alternately by players like Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Thad Jones, and Snooky Young.

Oliver Nelson, Frank Wess and Curtis Fuller also contributed.