"[2] In a review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow wrote: "On this 1996 set, Rudd debuts seven Nichols compositions that were never previously recorded... Five of the pieces... feature the entire group, and although the structures are quite tricky, the music... generally swings in its own fashion.

The final two numbers... are taken as unaccompanied trombone solos and find Rudd putting plenty of feeling into his interpretations of his fallen friend's music.

"[3] The authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz awarded the album 4 stars,[4] and commented: "Much of this material is genuinely unknown and unheard...

The trio is well-balanced and responsive, with Millar taking much of the accompanist's role... A valuable insight into two great – and sadly under-documented – artists.

"[5] Writer Todd Jenkins stated: "These interpretations... are not only fabulous, they make us regretful that we can never hear them played by their creator's hands.