A Love Supreme: The Complete Story Behind Impulse! Records' Jazz Masterpiece
A Love Supreme Records emerged as an independent record label in Manchester, UK, during the early 1990s, driven by a passion for electronic and dance music. Founded by Simon Scott and Richard Moonboots, the label played a significant role in shaping the city's underground music scene.
The label's name draws inspiration from John Coltrane's legendary album "A Love Supreme," reflecting the founders' deep appreciation for jazz and its influence on electronic music. Throughout its active years, A Love Supreme Records became known for releasing cutting-edge house music, ambient tracks, and experimental electronic compositions.
Between 1991 and 1997, the label released approximately 30 records, featuring artists like Mark Rae, Tony D, and Moonboots himself. Their catalog includes several critically acclaimed releases that helped define the sound of 90s British electronic music, particularly the deeper, more soulful side of house music.
Notable releases from the label include:
- "Jazz Not Jazz" by Mark Rae - "The Message" by Rhythm Formation - "Deep Down" by Tony D - "Northern Sulphuric Soul" compilation series
The label's aesthetic was characterized by minimal design elements and high-quality vinyl pressings, which have become sought-after items among collectors. While the label ceased regular operations in the late 1990s, its influence continues to resonate within electronic music circles.
A Love Supreme Records maintained strong connections with other Manchester-based music institutions, including Fat City Records and Grand Central Records, often sharing artists and collaborating on various projects. This network helped establish Manchester as a crucial hub for electronic music in the UK during the 1990s.
Today, original A Love Supreme releases are considered collector's items, with some rare pressings commanding significant prices in the secondary market. The label's legacy lives on through its influence on contemporary electronic music and its role in documenting a pivotal period in British dance music history.
While no longer actively releasing new music, A Love Supreme Records remains remembered for its commitment to quality over quantity and its contribution to the development of underground electronic music in the UK. The label's output continues to inspire new generations of producers and DJs, particularly those interested in the soulful, jazz-influenced side of electronic music.