AG Rojas Creates Film Evoking John Coltrane's A Love Supreme Recording at Historic Studio

Filmmaker AG Rojas has produced a new work inspired by John Coltrane's landmark 1964 recording session at the Rudy Van Gelder Studio. The project focuses on Coltrane's album 'A Love Supreme,' recorded in December 1964 with his quartet featuring McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones. Rojas visited the historic studio with collaborator Shawn Peters, experiencing what he describes as a profound atmosphere that transcends time. Rather than attempting historical recreation, Rojas aimed to capture the intangible feeling and energy of the original recording session. Drawing from his background as a saxophonist in jazz bands, he approached filmmaking with improvisational techniques, drawing parallels between jazz and cinematic creation. The production team included cinematographer Shawn Peters, production designer Emmeline E. Wilks Dupoise, and producer Grace Campos. They used 16mm film to create an immediate, tactile visual experience. The crew fostered a collaborative environment with continuous music, shared meals, and flowing conversations, mirroring the collaborative spirit of Coltrane's quartet. Rojas reflects that certain creative spaces like Van Gelder Studio retain an enduring imprint that continues to inspire artists decades after significant works were created there.