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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Miles Davis
Dig
A vibrant exploration of cool jazz infused with intricate rhythms and lyrical improvisation.
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Miles Davis
Dingo – Selections From the Motion Picture Soundtrack
A haunting blend of cool jazz and ethereal soundscapes that encapsulate the film's emotional essence.
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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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John Coltrane
The Cats
A vibrant interplay of modal harmonies and improvisational freedom, showcasing Coltrane's innovative spirit.
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