allmusic reviewer ken dryden stated "the 1997 release of this cd helped benny carter celebrate his 90th birthday, featuring 14 of his original ballads by a dozen guests, in addition to a warm tribute to his wife of many years, "when hilma smiles," sung by carter himself in a friendly, unpretentious manner. his smooth alto sax hasn't lost anything over the decades, and the top-notch cornet of warren vaché is also a nice touch".