Professional ratings
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AllMusic

Number Five is a studio album by jazz trumpeter, composer, and arranger, Tom Harrell, released in May 2012 by HighNote.

Overview

This is the fifth album by Harrell's Quintet, which includes Wayne Escoffery on sax, Danny Grissett on piano, Ugonna Okegwo on bass, and Johnathan Blake on drums. Four tracks feature the full quintet. The other tracks feature arrangements in quartet, trio and duo, and on two tracks Harrell performs solo. This is a departure from Harrell's previous four albums, in which 35 of the total 36 tracks featured the full quintet. Four tracks were recorded with no prior rehearsal – exhibiting the confidence and tightness of the group.

Reception

JazzTimes noted the group's chemistry and called the album "the most adventurous and eclectic of the five he's done for HighNote." AllMusic stated that Harrell "continues to surprise" with this album.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Blue 'n' Boogie"Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Paparelli4:20
2."Right as Rain"Tom Harrell3:20
3."No. 5"Tom Harrell8:24
4."Journey to the Stars"Tom Harrell6:34
5."GT"Tom Harrell8:55
6."Present"Tom Harrell6:44
7."Star Eyes"Gene de Paul5:28
8."Preludium"Tom Harrell4:07
9."The Question"Tom Harrell3:09
10."Melody in B-Flat"Tom Harrell4:06
11."A Blue Time"Tadd Dameron4:00

Personnel

Credits adapted from AllMusic.