Modal jazz is
jazz that uses
musical modes rather than
chord progressions as a
harmonic framework. Originating in the late 1950s and 1960s, modal jazz is epitomized by
Miles Davis's 1958 composition "
Milestones", 1959 album
Kind of Blue, and
John Coltrane's classic quartet from 1960–64. Other important performers include
Woody Shaw,
Bill Evans,
Herbie Hancock,
Wayne Shorter,
McCoy Tyner,
Larry Young,
Pharoah Sanders,
Joe Henderson,
Chick Corea and
Bobby Hutcherson. Though the term comes from the use of the
pitches of particular modes (or
scales) in the creation of
solos, modal jazz compositions or
accompaniments may only or additionally make use of the following techniques:
- slow-moving harmonic rhythm, where single chords may last four to sixteen or more measures
- pedal points and drones
- absent or suppressed standard functional chord progressions
- quartal harmonies or melodies
- polytonality