The albums that define
modal jazz.
Our picks for where to start with modal jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top modal jazz artists
Start with one of these.
The modal jazz essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Herbie Hancock
Takin' Off
A vibrant blend of hard bop and rhythmic grooves, showcasing Hancock's inventive piano work and catchy melodies.
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Herbie Hancock
Butterfly
A seamless blend of jazz-funk grooves and soulful melodies, inviting listeners to a lush auditory landscape.
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John Coltrane
A Love Supreme
Spiritual fervor intertwines with complex improvisation, creating a transcendent journey through the depths of jazz expression.
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Miles Davis
Kind of Blue
A serene exploration of modal jazz, where improvisation unfolds over lush harmonic landscapes.
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Herbie Hancock
The Imagine Project
A vibrant fusion of jazz, world music, and poignant lyrics exploring themes of unity and hope.
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Miles Davis
Live-Evil
A dynamic fusion of jazz and electric sounds, bridging improvisation with rhythmic intensity.
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John Coltrane
Wheelin' & Dealin'
An intricate tapestry of improvisation and structured melodies that showcases Coltrane's exploratory spirit.
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Miles Davis
Bitches Brew
A groundbreaking fusion of jazz, rock, and avant-garde, swirling with electric textures and improvisational prowess.
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Herbie Hancock
Crossings
A cosmic blend of jazz fusion, electronic textures, and avant-garde experimentation that transcends traditional boundaries.
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Herbie Hancock
Speak Like a Child
A vibrant blend of complex jazz harmonies and playful melodies that evoke the innocence of childhood.
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Miles Davis
Get Up with It
A sprawling, experimental journey blending jazz fusion with ambient textures and complex improvisation.
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Miles Davis
Circle in the Round
A sprawling exploration of jazz fusion, weaving intricate melodies through expansive improvisational landscapes.
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Miles Davis
Miles Smiles
A complex interplay of modal structures and avant-garde improvisation that pushes jazz boundaries.
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Miles Davis
Milestones
Innovative modal jazz harmonies weave through intricate rhythms, showcasing a bold departure from traditional forms.
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Miles Davis
E.S.P.
A vibrant exploration of modal jazz that fuses complex rhythms with introspective melodies.
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Miles Davis
Filles de Kilimanjaro
A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, marked by exploratory melodies and intricate rhythms.
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Miles Davis
Sorcerer
A seamless blend of modal jazz and experimental sounds, revealing Miles Davis's innovative spirit.
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John Coltrane
The Cats
A vibrant interplay of modal harmonies and improvisational freedom, showcasing Coltrane's innovative spirit.
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John Coltrane
New Thing at Newport
A bold amalgamation of avant-garde jazz and fiery improvisation, echoing the spirit of social change.
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Miles Davis
Porgy and Bess
A lush, orchestral reimagining of American folk and jazz that breathes new life into Gershwin's classic opera.
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Miles Davis
The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions
A mesmerizing blend of ethereal textures and improvisational brilliance, redefining the boundaries of jazz fusion.
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Herbie Hancock
Possibilities
A rich tapestry of jazz and soul, blending classic melodies with modern sensibilities and heartfelt performances.
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Miles Davis
Water Babies
A fluid blend of exploratory jazz fusion, characterized by intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation.
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Miles Davis
Miles in the Sky
A seamless blend of modal jazz and avant-garde elements creates an expansive, exploratory soundscape.
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