The AllMusic review by Rick Anderson states "These recordings were made over a period of seven years with a shifting group of sidemen; one track, the lovely "Hearken," is a solo piece, and another, the even better "Drum Sequence," is a duo for flügelhorn and drums. The most impressive performances, though, are those that incorporate at least a quartet into the dreamy ambience of Wheeler's musical vision. Very highly recommended".[3]
On All About Jazz, Glenn Astarita noted "In sum, the musicians project a velvety soundscape supplanted by warmly stated choruses and keenly articulated soloing spots. (Highly recommended...)".[4]
The Guardian 's John Fordham noted "Kenny Wheeler, a bold trumpet player who avoids standard songs or familiar licks, is an acquired taste for some. But it doesn't take much close listening to detect a shy exuberance under his melancholy music, and a sophistication that imparts a haunting ambiguity to his themes and liberates improvisers ... As ever with Wheeler, the music is the polar opposite of in-your-face, and most of the tempos are slow to middling. But the gentle harmonies are captivating".[5]
Track listing
All compositions by Kenny Wheeler except where noted.