Immediately after graduating in 1943, Mr. Van Gelder opened an optometry office in Teaneck, N.

WSJ: Rudy Van Gelder | New Jersey Jazz Revolution | Cultural Conversation by Marc Myers

In 1954, Mr. Van Gelder and his wife, Elva, moved into a nearby apartment.

WSJ: Rudy Van Gelder | New Jersey Jazz Revolution | Cultural Conversation by Marc Myers

Before departing, this writer tried once again to pry Mr. Van Gelder's techniques loose.

WSJ: Rudy Van Gelder | New Jersey Jazz Revolution | Cultural Conversation by Marc Myers

Mr. Van Gelder is notorious for stonewalling questions about his recording techniques.

WSJ: Rudy Van Gelder | New Jersey Jazz Revolution | Cultural Conversation by Marc Myers

Van Gelder by this time had done half a dozen studio dates for Blue Note from his Hackensack location, but nothing yet of this importance.

NPR: 'Blue Note Records, The Biography'

"'A Love Supreme' was recorded right here, " Mr. Van Gelder said.

WSJ: Rudy Van Gelder | New Jersey Jazz Revolution | Cultural Conversation by Marc Myers

"I was obsessed with microphones, " Mr. Van Gelder said.

WSJ: Rudy Van Gelder | New Jersey Jazz Revolution | Cultural Conversation by Marc Myers

Mr. Van Gelder is still a stickler for details.

WSJ: Rudy Van Gelder | New Jersey Jazz Revolution | Cultural Conversation by Marc Myers