The Razor's Edge is a studio album by English jazz bassist Dave Holland, released in 1987 via the ECM label.[1][2] It features Holland’s quintet featuring alto saxophonist Steve Coleman, trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, trombonist Robin Eubanks and drummer ”Smitty” Smith.

The Razor's Edge
Studio album by Dave Holland Quintet
Released	1987
Recorded	February 1987
Genre	Avant-garde jazz, Post-Bop
Length	51:26
Label	ECM
Producer	Manfred Eicher
Dave Holland chronology
Seeds of Time (1984) The Razor's Edge (1987) Triplicate (1988)

Background

The record is the last of three albums recorded by a quintet line-up. Two tunes from this album have been reprised on later recordings—both "Blues For C.M." and the title track were featured on Holland's first big band release, What Goes Around.

Reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4½ stars, stating, "The group's three ECM releases are well worth exploring, and this set gives listeners a strong example of their work".[3]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[3]
Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD	[4]
The Rolling Stone Jazz & Blues Album Guide	[5]

Track listing

All compositions by Dave Holland except as indicated

1. "Brother Ty" (Doug Hammond) - 4:34
2. "Vedana" - 4:53
3. "The Razor's Edge" - 7:52
4. "Blues for C.M." - 9:15
5. "Vortex" (Steve Coleman) - 8:11
6. "5 Four Six" (Kenny Wheeler) - 4:26
7. "Wights Waits for Weights" (Coleman) - 5:25
8. "Figit Time" (Hammond) - 6:17

• Recorded at Tonstudio Bauer, Ludwigsburg in February 1987

Personnel

• Steve Coleman – alto saxophone
• Kenny Wheeler – trumpet, flugelhorn, cornet
• Robin Eubanks – trombone
• Dave Holland – double bass
• Marvin "Smitty" Smith – drums

References