Modal Jazz

Modal jazz is a style of jazz music that uses musical modes—scales constructed from a series of notes—rather than the traditional chord progressions. This approach allows musicians greater freedom to improvise and explore different melodies and harmonies. It emphasizes mood and atmosphere over complex changes, often featuring long, flowing phrases. Pioneered by artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane in the late 1950s, modal jazz invites listeners to experience music in a more meditative, expansive way. Notably, albums like Davis's "Kind of Blue" exemplify this innovative approach, making it a cornerstone of modern jazz.