In the later 1950s, spurred by the experiments of composer and bandleader George Russell, musicians began using a modal approach. They chose not to write their songs using chords, but instead used modal scales. This meant that the bassist, for instance, did not have to 'walk' from one important note of a chord to that of another - as long as he or she stayed in the scale being used and accentuated the right notes within the scale, he could go virtually everywhere. The pianist, to give another example, would not have to play the same chords or variations of the chords, but could do anything, as long as he or she stayed within the scale being used. The overall result was more freedom of expression.
In fact, the way that a soloist creates a solo changed dramatically with the advent of modal jazz. Before, the goal of a soloist was to play a solo that fit into a set of chords. However, with modal jazz, a soloist must create a melody in one scale (typically). Therefore, the goal of the musician was now to make the melody as interesting as possible. Modal jazz was, in essence, a return to melody.
Spiral
John Coltrane Lyrics
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A few words, just to shed a little light on Naima
I want to talk briefly about Naima to give some insight into the song
Her name, Naima, was inspired by this woman of great beauty
The name Naima was actually inspired by a woman who was incredibly beautiful
And I had the pleasure of meeting her once, and she was really beautiful
I was fortunate enough to meet her in person and can confirm that she was truly stunning
Sometimes I feel like she's with me in spirit, or something
Occasionally, I have a sense that she is present with me in a spiritual sense
And this composition is sort of a welcoming for her return
This song is a way for me to welcome her back or to honor her memory
Hopefully, if there is a rebirth or a reincarnation
In the event of reincarnation or rebirth, perhaps she will come back into the world
Maybe she'll hear the song and say, 'Hey, I recognize that.'
If she does return, perhaps she will hear this song and feel a sense of familiarity or recognition
So, it's just sort of a dedication to her and her beauty
All in all, this song is a tribute to Naima and the beauty that she embodied
Contributed by Peyton O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
dreamtheater125
This improvisation by Coltrane is simply amazing: a tension, a crescendo ... perfect !!!
Kael MacQuarrie
One of the best jazz albums of all time
Abraham Palmer
Indeed
SnotNosedPunk
This rhythm section is killin it.
Julian Kantor
I like to listen Coltrane while I’m working but it doesn’t really do it justice, when you really listen closely the level of musicianship in the solos is just unreal!!!
Jayaplane713
That run at 1:27 is everything.
Jonah Takalua
What an adequate piano touch from the 2:50 on. From the 3:49 the bass takes over brilliantly.
Brian Bousquet
This song should stop traffic its astonishing how intricately lovely it sounds and happily I cannot stop listening to it,thank you 60otaku4 for posting this song and helping me see true beauty in this world.I pray you also have a peaceful 2017 :)
60otaku4
You're most welcome, Brian-san!!
Otaku4 (*^_^)/
Ramouloo!
This comment hasn’t aged so well lmao