with Golson, he was reluctant to ask Tyner to leave The Jazztet. Encouraged by his wife, Naima, Coltrane eventually asked Tyner what he wanted to do.

After six months with The Jazztet, Tyner joined the John Coltrane Quartet, which then included bassist Steve Davis and drummer Elvin Jones. Tyner worked with the band during its extended run at the Jazz Gallery, replacing Steve Kuhn. Reflecting on the situation later,