The complete album + 2 bonus tracks pressed on limited edition 180g vinyl. Clifford Brown's tragic death was devastating for Max Roach, who nevertheless tried to reorganise his group soon after, filling the void left by Clifford and pianist Richie Powell. The first option to fill the trumpet chair of the quintet was Kenny Dorham, but Dorham didn't remain with Roach for long and was replaced by Booker Little in 1958, partly because of the similarities between his playing and that of Clifford Brown. By 1958, Roach had stopped using a pianist, and instead added Ray Draper on tuba, as featured here on 'Deeds, Not Words'.

"This Max Roach Riverside date is notable for featuring the great young trumpeter Booker Little and for utilizing Ray Draper's tuba as a melody instrument; tenor saxophonist George Coleman and bassist Art Davis complete the excellent quintet. Highlights include "It's You or No One," "You Stepped Out of a Dream," and Roach's unaccompanied drum piece "Conversation." This is fine music from a group that was trying to stretch themselves beyond hard bop." - Scott Yanow, AllMusic