On the Edge of Tomorrow

On the Edge of Tomorrow is the second album by saxophonist Steve Coleman recorded in 1986 and released on the JMT label.

On the Edge of Tomorrow
Studio album by Steve Coleman and Five Elements
Released	1986
Recorded	January 1986
Studio	Systems Two, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Genre	Jazz
Length	50:28
Label	JMT JMT 860005
Producer	Stefan F. Winter
Steve Coleman chronology
Motherland Pulse (1985) On the Edge of Tomorrow (1986) World Expansion (1987)

Reception

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow states, "Steve Coleman's second recording as a leader introduces his M-Base music in its prime. Essentially creative and avant-garde funk, the performances feature dense but coherent ensembles and crowded grooves... Not for everyone's taste, this frequently exciting set hints at a future that has not yet come".

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings

Track listing

All compositions by Steve Coleman except as indicated

1. "Fire Revisited" - 4:48
2. "Fat Lay Back" - 2:12
3. "I'm Going Home" (Kevin Bruce Harris) - 2:58
4. "It Is Time" (Donna Russell, Graham Haynes) - 2:06
5. "(In Order to Perform) A More Perfect Union" - 6:56
6. "Little One I'll Miss You" (Abbey Lincoln, Bunky Green) - 4:33
7. "T-T-Tim" - 1:54
8. "Metaphysical Phunktion" (Kelvyn Bell) - 4:49
9. "Nine to Five" - 1:40
10. "Profile Man" - 2:54 Bonus track on CD
11. "Stone Bone (Can't Go Wrong)" - 6:41
12. "Almost There" (Harris) - 2:06
13. "Change the Guard" - 6:01

Personnel

• Steve Coleman - alto saxophone, vocals, backing vocals
• Graham Haynes - trumpet
• Geri Allen - synthesizer
• Kelvyn Bell - electric guitar, vocals
• Kevin Bruce Harris - electric bass, backing vocals
• Mark Johnson - drums, percussion
• Marvin "Smitty" Smith - percussion, backing vocals, drums
• Cassandra Wilson - vocals, backing vocals