The album features a trio, including bass player Marcus McLaurine and drummer George Johnson.

In Ibrahim's words (quoted in the liner notes, which were written by his son Tsakwe Ibrahim):[2] "As the basic creative format of contemporary urban music and its global expansion from the timeless African fountainhead, the trio concept of piano-bass-drums serves as one of the most viable and essential, indeed, accessible formulae for the pianist/composer.

"[3] Giving the album a four-star rating, AllMusic notes that Ibrahim's ideas "range from bop, African pop, swing, and even hints of a Keith Jarrett influence.

The remainder of the tracks are all excellent and most exceed six minutes long, allowing for the non-hurried development of ideas by this remarkable trio.

[4] Yarona is included on The Penguin Guide to Jazz Core Collection list of albums.