What is clear, both at the time and as the work has been reviewed over the years, is that the album held some significance to him, as he lent both his voice to the opening ‘Acknowledgement’ and took time to create the liner notes for the original release. Little is known about how Coltrane felt about the album with few interviews elucidating any backstory. Dimming the lights in the studio to better resemble the familiar club environment where they so often improvised new pieces, the group laid down four suites Acknowledgement, Resolution, Pursuance and Psalm. Considered the “classic” lineup of Trane’s quartet, the group had been together since 1962 with long hours touring, recording and improvising together. Coltrane played tenor and soprano saxophone and acted as bandleader, while McCoy Tyner played piano, Jimmy Garrison double bass, and Elvin Jones drums and timpani. ‘A Love Supreme’ was recorded in one session in December 1964 by John Coltrane and a trio of players who encompassed his well established quartet.

As a new live recording of ‘A Love Supreme’ is released, one of only two known to exist, we look back at what makes this oft referenced Jazz album Coltrane’s magnum opus.

Elvin jones a love supreme