The AllMusic review by Thom Jurek states: "Shepp had hit his stride here compositionally... lots of free blowing, angry bursts of energy, and shouts of pure revelry are balanced with Ellingtonian elegance and restraint that was considerable enough to let the lyric line float through and encourage more improvisation. This is Shepp at his level best."[2]
Track listing
Side 1
1. A Portrait Of Robert Thompson (as a young man)
Introducing
a) Prelude to a Kiss (Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon, Irving Mills)
b) The Break Strain-King Cotton (public domain)
c) Dem Basses (public domain) - 18:57
Side 2
1. Mama Too Tight - 5:25
2. Theme for Ernie (Fred Lacey) - 3:21
3. Basheer - 10:38
All compositions by Archie Shepp except as indicated
Recorded at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, August 19, 1966