“So What” – Jazz improvisation that dances on a modal tapestry.
“So What,” composed by Miles Davis and appearing as the opening track of his 1959 masterpiece Kind of Blue, stands as a pivotal moment in the history of jazz. This iconic piece, stripped of traditional chord progressions, instead leans heavily on modal improvisation, allowing musicians to explore melodic ideas within the framework of specific scales, or modes.
The recording features Miles Davis on trumpet, John Coltrane on tenor saxophone, Cannonball Adderley on alto saxophone, Bill Evans on piano, Paul Chambers on double bass, and Jimmy Cobb on drums. This legendary ensemble, brought together by producer Teo Macero, showcased a level of musical interplay that was both revolutionary and deeply captivating.
A Shift in Perspective: Modal Jazz
“So What” marked a significant departure from the bebop era that preceded it. Bebop jazz, with its complex chord changes and lightning-fast tempos, was known for its virtuosic improvisations. Modal jazz, on the other hand, offered musicians a different approach. By focusing on scales (modes) rather than chords, “So What” allowed for a more spacious and introspective style of improvisation.
Think of it like this: imagine building a house. Bebop jazz is like constructing with intricate blueprints, each chord change representing a specific architectural detail. Modal jazz, however, is like starting with the foundation—the scale or mode—and letting the musicians organically build upon it, creating a unique sonic landscape with each improvisation.
The Magic of Simplicity: Analyzing “So What”
The beauty of “So What” lies in its deceptive simplicity. The piece unfolds over two modal scales, D Dorian and Eb Dorian, each repeated twice for eight bars. This minimalist structure provides the musicians with a vast canvas upon which to paint their melodic ideas.
Modal Structure:
| Section | Mode | Bars |
|---|---|---|
| A | D Dorian | 8 |
| B | Eb Dorian | 8 |
| C | D Dorian | 8 |
| D | Eb Dorian | 8 |
John Coltrane’s solos are particularly captivating. His playing is a torrent of ideas, soaring through the modal landscape with breathtaking intensity and freedom. Miles Davis, on the other hand, delivers his trademark blues-infused phrases, conveying a sense of calm amidst the swirling energy. The interplay between these two giants creates a dynamic tension that keeps listeners spellbound.
A Timeless Legacy: Impact and Influence
“So What” remains one of the most influential jazz recordings of all time. Its impact on subsequent generations of musicians is undeniable. Artists across genres, from rock to hip-hop, have sampled and reinterpreted the piece’s iconic melody and groove.
The success of Kind of Blue can be attributed to several factors: its innovative approach to improvisation, the masterful performances by Davis and his bandmates, and the timeless quality of the compositions themselves. The album resonated with a wide audience, transcending genre boundaries and solidifying Miles Davis’s place as one of the greatest innovators in jazz history.
Listening to “So What” today is an experience that transcends mere musical enjoyment. It’s a window into a pivotal moment in the evolution of jazz, offering a glimpse into the creative minds of some of music’s most talented individuals. The piece’s enduring popularity speaks volumes about its power and influence, reminding us of the timeless beauty of improvisation and the transformative power of music.