Dave Brubeck described the album as a "jazz interpretation" of Joan Miro's painting used on the front cover cover and ties into a tradition of connecting visual art and jazz. The album did well commercially: it reached #8 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., the single "Unsquare Dance" reached #74 on the Billboard Hot 100. Critics often view it as a strong follow-up to "Time Out", because it continues experimentation but with new textures, meters, and moods. Brubeck conceived of it as a kind of musical reflection of abstract art by structuring the album around increasing time-signature complexity (3/4 up to 9/8).

He further pushed beyond what was common in jazz at the time for an exercise in how changing meter affects mood, feel and improvisation. Each piece is a standalone experiment, inspired by rhythms Brubeck heard while touring internationally. Released: November 1961, the album was recorded over two sessions in May and June 1961 at Columbia's 30th Street Studio in New York City with the sessions featured the "classic" line-up of the quartet, known for their cohesive sound and innovative approach to jazz. Featuring Eugene Wright, Joe Morello, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond.