The album is recognised as one of Adderley's finest. The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4½ stars, calling it a "near-classic" and stating: "Nat Adderley is heard throughout in peak form, playing quite lyrically. Highly recommended". 

The Penguin Guide to Jazz awarded the album 4 stars, stating: "Work Song is the real classic, of course, laced with a funky blues feel but marked by some unexpectedly lyrical playing."

NAT ADDERLEY, cornet
WES MONTGOMERY, guitar
on all tracks, plus:

On A1, B1 & B4: Bobby Timmons (p), Sam Jones (cello), Percy Heath (b). Louis Hayes (d).
On A2: Same as above except Keter Betts (b) replaces Heath.
On A3 & B3: Sam Jones (b).
On A4: Keter Betts (b), Louis Hayes (d).
On A5: Bobby Timmons (p), Sam Jones (cello & b), Keter Betts (cello & b), Louis Hayes (d).
On B2: Keter Betts (cello), Sam Jones (b), Louis Hayes (d).

New York, January 25 & January 27, 1960

* Bonus Track (B5): Jon Hendricks (vc), Nat Adderley (ct), Wes Montgomery (g), Cannonball Adderley (as), Gildo Mahones (p), Monk Montgomery (b), Walter Bolden (d).
Fugazzi Hall, San Francisco, 1959

Spiral Records
Audiophile Grade
Pure Virgin Vinyl 180 gram
Classic Jazz LPs
Collector's Edition
Newly Remastered
Deluxe Inner Sleeves
One Pressing Limited Edition