On the album, Lincoln is joined by saxophonist Stan Getz (in one of his last recording sessions), pianist Hank Jones, double bassist Charlie Haden, and drummer Mark Johnson.

Video clips from the recording sessions were used in the documentary film You Gotta Pay The Band.

[1][2][3][4] You Gotta Pay the Band was nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Performance at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards.

"[1] The authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings stated: "With the sole exception of 'Bird Alone', which is a dud, the material is excellent, and it's the sort of band singers will die for."

They also praised drummer Johnson, describing him as "an elegant and subtle performer who knows where to place an accent and how to weight it.