Down Beat critic Don Gold wrote in his July 10, 1958 review that "Kenton, in describing Holman's "Royal Blue" in the notes, terms it
exciting, powerful, and positive. He could have been describing this band." Gold goes on to say: "In Perkins, Kamuca, Niehaus, Noto and Katzman, Kenton has several key soloists. Most of the charts in this LP are by Johnny Richards; at his best. Other charts, by Marty Paich and Holman, take advantage of the orchestra's capabilities, too. The vivid over-all Kenton sound is precisely executed. This is an important orchestra." The
Allmusic review by Scott Yanow noted " The 1958 Kenton big band had several excellent soloists... Well-played if not quite essential music". ==Track listing==