Music for Large & Small Ensembles

The Allmusic review awarded the album 4½ stars.[3] The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings selected the album as part of its suggested “core collection” of essential recordings.[4]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[3]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings	[4]

Disc 1: The Sweet Time Suite

1. "Part I – Opening" – 2:19
2. "Part II – For H./Part III – For Jan" – 10:09
3. "Part IV – For P. A." – 9:26
4. "Part V – Know Where You Are" – 5:36
5. "Part VI – Consolation" – 9:19
6. "Part VII – Freddy C/Part VIII – Closing" 12:53

Disc 2:

1. "Sophie" – 8:50
2. "Sea Lady" – 8:33
3. "Gentle Piece" – 8:50
4. "Trio" – 4:00
5. "Duet I" – 2:40
6. "Duet II" – 2:23
7. "Duet III" – 3:04
8. "Trio" – 5:44
9. "By Myself" – 10:32

• Kenny Wheeler – trumpet, flugelhorn
• Norma Winstone – vocals
• Evan Parker – soprano & tenor saxophone
• Ray Warleigh – alto saxophone
• Stan Sulzmann – tenor saxophone, flute
• Duncan Lamont – tenor saxophone
• Julian Argüelles – baritone saxophone
• Derek Watkins – trumpet
• Henry Lowther - trumpet
• Alan Downey – trumpet
• Ian Hamer – trumpet
• David Horler – trombone
• Chris Pyne – trombone
• Paul Rutherford – trombone
• Hugh Fraser – trombone
• John Taylor – piano
• John Abercrombie – guitar
• Dave Holland – double bass
• Peter Erskine – drums
• Jan Erik Kongshaug – engineer