The album was nominated for "
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance" at the
42nd Annual Grammy Awards. In a review for
AllMusic,
Stephen Thomas Erlewine awarded the album a full 5 stars, calling it "astonishing." He wrote: "all of the compositions not only sound fresh, they sound visionary -- still ahead of their time. It's not only because the stellar musicians give vibrant, unpredictable performances, although that undeniably helps; Rivers' writing is the real key...
Inspiration truly is a revelation, proving not only that Rivers retains all his creative power at the age of 75, but that avant-garde jazz can be as inviting as any other style without sacrificing any of its depth or daring." The authors of
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings awarded
Inspiration a full 4 stars, and noted "the sheer originality of Rivers's concept: that he can mould an orchestra of highly individual performers so that it sounds like the expression of a single, idiosyncratic imagination." A writer for
Mother Jones commented: "Imagine funk idol
Maceo Parker falling under the sway of abstract expressionism, and you have an idea of how Rivers' new album combines aggressive dissonance, tricky rhythms, and unconventional grooves... At 77, Rivers has produced an album that any audacious young avant-gardiste would envy." ==Track listing==