ProJazz.net

4, 5 and 6 is a studio album by saxophonist Jackie McLean recorded for Prestige Records. It was recorded in 1956 and released that year. In 1962, the album was reissued under the same title on the Prestige sub-label New Jazz Records with a different cover. The album was reissued on CD in 1991. It features McLean in a quartet with pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Doug Watkins and drummer Art Taylor. Trumpeter Donald Byrd guests on three tracks, and tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley on one.

Reception:

The AllMusic review by Michael G. Nastos awarded the album 4 stars and stated:”In 1956 Jackie McLean was only beginning to assert himself as a true individualist on the alto saxophone, exploring the lime-flavored microtones of his instrument that purists or the misinformed perceived as being off-key or out of tune. 4, 5 and 6 presents McLean’s quartet on half the date, and tunes with an expanded quintet, and one sextet track — thus the title. …
As a stand-alone recording, 4, 5 and 6 does not break barriers, but does foreshadow the future of McLean as an innovative musician in an all-too-purist mainstream jazz world.”

Track listing:
1. “Sentimental Journey” Ben Homer, Bud Green, Les Brown 10:00
2. “Why Was I Born?” Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II 5:16
3. “Contour” Kenny Drew 5:01
4. “Confirmation” Charlie Parker 11:26
5. “When I Fall in Love” Edward Heyman, Victor Young 5:36
6. “Abstraction” Mal Waldron 7:59
Recorded on July 13 (#1–3) and 20 (#4–6), 1956.

Personnel:
Jackie McLean – alto sax
Hank Mobley – tenor sax (#4 only)
Donald Byrd – trumpet (#3, 4, 6 only)
Mal Waldron – piano
Doug Watkins – bass
Art Taylor – drums

_____________

Released: November 1956
Recorded: July 13 & 20, 1956
Studio: Van Gelder, Hackensack
Length: 45:18
Label: Prestige
Producer: Bob Weinstock