"The album was also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Water From An Ancient Well features the pianist/composer with a very strong septet. Such superior musicians as tenor saxophonist Ricky Ford , altoist Carlos Ward , baritonist Charles Davis , and trombonist Dick Griffin are heard at their most creative and emotional on these eight Ibrahim originals. Many of the melodies are among Ibrahim's finest compositions."
