The album 'The Avant-Garde' was released in 1966 by Atlantic Records, but the recording sessions took place in 1960, during a period when John Coltrane was still under contract with Atlantic. The album documents the collaboration between Coltrane and trumpeter Don Cherry, who had been a member of Ornette Coleman's group.
The recordings were made at Atlantic Studios in New York. The repertoire includes compositions by Don Cherry and a piece by Ornette Coleman, reflecting the influence of the emerging free jazz movement. Coltrane plays tenor saxophone on all tracks, while Cherry contributes pocket trumpet.
Although the album was released six years after the sessions, its title 'The Avant-Garde' reflects the experimental nature of the music. By the time of its release, Coltrane had already moved towards a freer style, but this record captures a key transitional moment in his career.