allmusic reviewer scott yanow stated "the great altoist benny carter is in typically remarkable form at age 85 with a quartet, on five duets with pianist hank jones, and on three selections with the truly remarkable trumpeter doc cheatham (87 years old at the time). ... there is not a weak track on this classic disc. this set would be recommended even if carter were 55 rather than 85; the music is timeless and often glorious".