The album reached number 4 on the Billboard jazz chart and number 43 on the Billboard 200.[4]AllMusic awarded the album 4 stars stating "Hard Work became a surprise hit, and overall, the set is open to the influence of R&B, although there are some strong moments from Handy on both alto and tenor".[3] A single, "Hard Work", did reach the bubbling under positions of the UK Top 50 in September 1976.