Led by drummer Chad Taylor, it features alto saxophonist Jemeel Moondoc, trombonist Steve Swell, and double bassist Tom Abbs, as well as guest artists Rob Mazurek (cornet), David Boykin (tenor saxophone), and Avreeayl Ra (percussion).

[1][2][3] In a review for AllMusic, Thom Jurek called the album "a wildly adventurous date that swings across continents in its musical approach, from North America to Southern Africa, and regards both freewheeling improvisation and elegant composition equally."

"[1] Rex Butters of All About Jazz stated that the recording "brings together four of the strongest players on the New York free scene," and commented: "Active Ingredients has turned in an impressive debut.

"[5] AAJ's Derek Taylor wrote that the band name "echoes the galvanizing energy inherent in [the musicians'] association," and praised the group's "resistance to long-term convention and custom.

"[7] In an article for One Final Note, Jay Collins wrote: "This is an outstanding debut from a group of players that, both together in this collective or on their own, make exciting music.