On November 17, 1959, shortly after the release of the album, Coleman's quartet began its residency at the Five Spot. This engagement was arranged by John Lewis and was initially scheduled to last two weeks; it was eventually extended to two-and-a-half months. The performances were well attended and generated controversy amongst attendees, critics, and jazz musicians alike. Some musicians and critics praised Coleman for an inventiveness not seen since the emergence of be-bop, including Charles Mingus, who said "It’s like organized disorganization or playing wrong right. It gets to you emotionally like a drummer." Others, including Miles Davis, were unimpressed by Coleman's music.