Robert Christgau thought that "even simpatico analogies—early string bands, the looser Western swing units, the relaxation Merle Haggard's guys go for, or for that matter Django Reinhardt—don't suggest the casual musicality this long-running off-and-on octet achieves without apparent effort every time it sits down."[3] The Hartford Courant opined that "the closest comparison of Night and Day is The Buena Vista Social Club, not in style so much but the deft, understated joy in the playing."[11]
AllMusic wrote: "Night and Day isn't a hard bop blowing date; fusing pre-swing jazz with country and pop, Nelson draws on such influences as Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli and favors lyricism that is melodic, straightforward, and uncomplicated."[2] The Star Tribune called the album proof that Nelson is "one of the most soulful guitarists ever."[12]
The original sequencing of the songs was somewhat different. The back cover of the CD featured the original track listing with a sticker over it to show the "sequence revision".
Some sources, including www.willienelson.com still show the original, incorrect sequence. That sequence was:
