Consisting primarily of jazz standards, it was recorded on September 24 and 25, 1996, at CBS/Sony Studios in Shinano-Machi, Tokyo, Japan, and was initially released in 1996 by Sony Japan, after which it was issued in the United States by Columbia Records in 1998.

[1][2][3][4] In a review for AllMusic, Michael G. Nastos wrote: "Although this might not be viewed by fans as typical of Tony Williams, it is a logical conclusion to a brilliant career in jazz, and holds up high the lofty improvisational values he kept close to his vest, but near to our hearts.

"[1] The authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings awarded the album a full 4 stars, and stated: "It is not Williams's greatest record, but it is ample reminder that he was first and foremost a jazz man and one of the very greatest of the last 30 years... Williams hadn't been known as much of a standards player, but he caresses these as if they were second skin.

"[5] A writer for CMJ New Music Report commented: "Williams goes directly to the heart of the jazz repertoire, drumming with extraordinary sympathy, taste and eloquence.

"[6] Bill Holland of Billboard listed the album in the #1 position in his contribution to the 1998 "Year in Music" critics' poll, calling it "a lovely goodbye.