Modal Jazz

Modal jazz is one of my favorite styles of jazz. It came into being with Miles Davis and George Russell in the late 50's. It can be difficult to explain just what modal jazz is, without getting into a lot of technical issues. Traditional jazz is based on chord changes, while modal jazz is a more linear style of music, focusing on the melody. It often involves changes in key, and focuses more on rhythm, many times giving the music an exotic air. However, the best way to get a feeling for modal jazz is to listen to it. After a while, even if you don't have a musical background, you will be able to distinguish the modal tunes. Besides Miles Davis, the other giants of modal jazz include Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, and Herbie Hancock. In fact, you will find that many of these artists played on each others albums. Click here to listen. If you are having problems with the first link please click here