AllMusic awarded the album 5 stars calling it "one of those rare albums that makes its mark as an almost instant classic in the jazz pantheon" and noting "April in Paris proved Count Basie's ability to grow through modern jazz changes while keeping the traditional jazz orchestra vital and alive".
AllMusic gave the album 5 stars, calling it an "instant classic in the jazz pantheon" for its unique blend of growth through modern jazz changes and preservation of a vital traditional jazz orchestra. The review highlighted Count Basie's ability to adapt while keeping the music alive.