The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow stated "The often riotous trombonist is fortunate to have his complex but always lively music interpreted by quite an all-star group and Gruntz's arrangements give each musician at least one opportunity to solo. ... it is little surprise that this was one of the top jazz albums released in 1994".[3]
Track listing
All compositions by Ray Anderson except where noted
"Lips Apart" – 9:57
"Anabel at One" – 13:20
"My Wish" – 6:05
"Raven-a-Ning" – 4:28
"Leo's Place" – 8:03
"Seven Monsters" – 10:40
"Waltz for Phoebe" – 5:13
"The Literary Lizard" – 9:53
"Don't Mow Your Lawn" (Ray Anderson, Jackie Raven) – 8:34