2. Miles Davis
M.D was born in 1926 to
a privileged background.
Miles left St. Louis and
moved to New York to
study at Julliard.
In N.Y Miles met Charlie
Parker and was his
sideman throughout the
early Bop years subbing
for Dizzy Gillespie.
3. Modal Jazz
M.D returned to the East and with his group
recorded another influential album, “Kind of
Blue” in 1958.
Bill Evans (p.), John Coltrane (t.s.) Paul
Chambers (bs.) Cannonball Adderley (a.s.)
Jimmy Cobb (drums)
4. Modal Jazz nuts and bolts
Modal jazz went counter to Be-Bop’s rapid and
dense harmonisation.
Concept is less chords occupying greater time
within the music.
Improvisation is based on modes as opposed
to II-V outlining of harmony prevalent in Be-
Bop.
Provided soloist with harmonic space for
greater expression.
6. The 60’s
J.C stretched this
modal concept so the
modes he was
implying while soloing
were not the ones
outlined by bass and
harmonic instrument.
Counter to his 50’s
comp. “Giant Steps”
‘Outside’ playing.
8. Freer
Ornette Coleman came to New York from Texas
in 50’s
His music was highly conceptual and in 1960
recorded album ‘Free Jazz’ (with a double
quintet) which eventually became name of
movement.
Emphasis is on expression through group
context.
Good performances are determined by level of
tension/release through non-traditional
harmonic tonal techniques.