"A dynamic quintet spearheaded by the saxophone extraordinaire Dave Coules, Fifth Element have been plugging away since 2016 with their collective strength that radiates timeless jazz qualities amid much creativity.
“I Can’t Believe That You’re Still In Love With Me” starts the listen with punchy drumming from Glenn Anderson and a snappy climate, as Nina Richmond’s pretty pipes guide the memorable jazz opener, and “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square” follows with sublime balladry, where the gorgeous singing is complemented by Coules’ proficient tenor sax prowess.
Further down the line, “The Gentle Rain” displays Dale Scaife’s skilled piano work as the elegance from Richmond and soulful sax set the mood, while “There Will Never Be Another You” bounces with an infectious energy of swift drumming, well timed keys and bright sax. “The Look Of Love” then gets romantic, as Richmond’s vocals soar high and Ron Johnston’s effective bass adds much to the dreamy delivery.
“My Romance” and “My Shining Hour” exit the listen, where the former is a soft and gentle display of lightly textured beauty, and the latter bursts into a frisky jazz finish that’s as fun as it is meticulous.
An outfit known for their stunning live performances, these 12 tracks certainly capture their undeniable chemistry, and the top notch songwriting settles in quite nicely on the first listen, though I hardly doubt you’ll only listen once."
Tom Haugen, Take Effect Reviews

"... I certainly found a great deal to enjoy here, including the vocals of Nina Richmond; not a flashy singer, she is unconcerned to be different for the sake of difference and is never in any way gimmicky; her attention to the lyrics brings genuine insight to her performances of standards such as ‘There Will Never Be Another You’ and ‘The Look of Love’ on both of which she makes one really believe the sentiments expressed in the songs. The work of bassist Ron Johnston and drummer Glenn Anderson at the heart of the rhythm section is exemplary, whether in the bossa nova patterns of ‘The Look of Love’ or the energetic yet subtle swing of ‘There Will Never Be Another You’. Pianist Dale Scaife shows himself to be a thoroughly literate musician, both as an accompanist behind Ms. Richmond or the tenor sax of Dave Coules, and also as an assured soloist. I particularly admire his solo and his duet with bassist Johnston in ‘The Gentle Rain’. His brief intro to ‘More Than You Know’ is a gem. Tenor saxophonist Dave Coules plays a series of top-class solos, his distillation (see above) of swing and bop idioms on tracks such as ‘My Romance’, ‘I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love With Me’ and ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkely Square’ is a delight. But the standards played on this album are nowhere treated as just a series of solos; the arrangements by Coules are inventive and yet leave room for the group’s clear inter-personal chemistry to find expression. I can’t imagine that anyone with a genuine interest in jazz would be disappointed by the music to be heard here."
Glyn Pursglove, Music Web International 
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"Upbeat swinging sounds and optimistic vocals are delivered by the live-sounding team of Dale Scaife/p, Dave Coules/ts, Glenn Anderson/dr, Ron Johnston/b and girl-next-door vocalist Nina Richmond.
Coules has a big and vintage sound on his tenor sax, and blows like a big band bopper on his solos as on the hip “I Can’t Believe You’re In Love With Me” and on his bel canto intro to “My Romance”. Johnston lays down a nice cadence for “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square” while Anderson brings rich brush work to “Days of Wine And Roses” and a whirlwind intro duet with the confident Richmond on the fun “I Love Being Here With You”. Richmond is clear and bright throughout, swaying to a Latinized “It Might As Well Be Spring” and glowing with Scaife on “More Than You Know”. Working class wonders."
George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly

"At the head of the Canadian jazz quintet, Fifth Element, is the experienced conductor and tenor saxophonist, Dave Coules. But, despite his routine and obvious ability to surround himself with good powers - such as singer Nina Richmond, pianist Dale Scaife, bassist Ron Johnston and drummer Glenn Anderson - it is only now, five years after the formation of the ensemble, that Coules' fifth element plate debuts. But what does it do? The wait has been worth it all. The twelve standards that the ensemble takes care of are in fact superbly arranged by Coules and just as superbly redeemed by his ensemble. Both the collective and individual quality emerge, so songs from The Great American Songbook - songs like Henry Mancini's and Johnny Mercer's Days of Wine and Roses , Richard Rodgers' and Lorenz HartsMy Romance and Peggy Lees and Bill Schlugers I Love Being Here With You are redeemed with intact nerves, with soul and sensuality. And, although I should refrain from highlighting some of the musicians over others, I would still mention Nina Richmond! Her authenticity. Combined with Dave Coules' glow. It's sweet music."
Ivan Rod (Denmark)

"Fifth Element is a Toronto-based jazz quintet and has been performing together since 2016. The group has recently released its first album, self-titled Fifth Element, featuring a variety of jazz standards, all arranged for this album by the multi-talented saxophonist Dave Coules. The earliest tune is I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me, composed in 1926 by Jimmy McHugh with lyrics by Clarence Gaskill. The band swings through a bouncy arrangement leading off with Dave Coules on tenor sax and Glenn Anderson on drums, and featuring the classy alto singing voice of Nina Richmond, plus solos by bassist Ron Johnston and Dale Scaife on piano. Another older tune is More Than You Know, a classic standard composed by Vincent Youmans and first published in 1929. The slow, dreamy ballad is beautifully performed and highlighted by Nina’s light vibrato and Dale’s tasteful piano accompaniment that really shines. Another of her best tunes is A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, composed in 1939 by Manning Sherwin, with lyrics by Eric Maschwitz. Nina’s smooth delivery is enhanced by Ron Johnston’s skillful walking bass line..."
Bruce McCollum, Music Web International 
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“What sets Fifth Element apart … is singer Nina Richmond’s dynamic, subtly electrifying, insightful interpretations…”
New York Music Daily

​"Congratulations to Fifth Element on your thrilling debut album! Your musical conversations are inventive and playful, and I love hearing Nina’s voice up close, front and centre, where all the nuances of phrasing are captured for our pleasure. I especially liked your take on "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square"… Ron's bass line and Nina’s singing are beautiful together. I also loved the energy and sassy personality of "I Love Being Here With You"!
Looking forward to many repeat samplings in this calorie-free box of ear-candy 🍬! Thanks for all the treats, and we cannot wait for the chance to hear Fifth Element LIVE someday, hopefully soon." 
Blair Stainton