The
St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote that "a technical bravado and engaging emotionalism mark the eight compositions of
Yard Movement, Alexander favoring ripening glissandos to achieve his notable effects."
The Guardian determined that
Yard Movement "does capture much of the infectious appeal of his live shows, shows how effectively his improvising can avoid repetition when he's hot, and presents a crisp and energetic band." The
South Wales Evening Post noted that the album "demonstrates his early musical influences and social experiences." The
Houston Chronicle opined that Alexander "sounds like an herbally fortified cocktail pianist gone mad," and listed the album among the best of 1996.
AllMusic wrote: "Essentially smooth bop laid in over heavy reggae basslines, the tracks on
Yard Movement ... work surprisingly well, grooving and shifting directions with a deceptive ease, and Ranglin's bright, bubbly guitar is a continual delight throughout." ==Track listing==