August 1964 | Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey; Four for Trane

ARTIST CONTEXT

Archie Shepp and John Coltrane were central figures in jazz’s movement toward greater freedom, spiritual intensity, and social consciousness. Four for Trane placed Shepp’s distinctive voice inside Coltrane compositions while asserting a new avant-garde direction.

CHUCK STEWART / PHOTOGRAPH CONTEXT

“While Rudy had designed his studio for its acoustical value, it also complemented my photographic concerns. I often used a strobe light there, which allowed the light to bounce off the ceiling, presenting something close to natural light.” — Chuck Stewart

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