“So What” - An Exploration into Modal Jazz and Effortless Coolness

Miles Davis’s “So What,” the iconic opening track from the 1959 album Kind of Blue, remains one of the most influential and recognizable pieces in jazz history, a testament to its groundbreaking musical approach and enduring legacy. This seemingly simple melody, built on modal scales rather than traditional chord progressions, marked a radical departure from bebop’s harmonic complexity, paving the way for a new era of improvisation and exploration within the genre.

The brilliance of “So What” lies in its deceptive simplicity. The piece features only two chords - D Dorian and Eb Dorian – which serve as melodic springboards for extended improvisations by Davis (trumpet), John Coltrane (tenor saxophone), Cannonball Adderley (alto saxophone), Bill Evans (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Jimmy Cobb (drums).

The modal approach, pioneered by Davis and pianist Gil Evans in earlier collaborations, allowed musicians greater freedom to explore melodic ideas without being confined by rigid chord changes. This resulted in a more spacious and ethereal sound, characterized by long, lyrical lines and a sense of effortless coolness.

Deconstructing the Melody:

“So What’s” haunting melody is instantly memorable, despite its minimalist structure.

• The Theme: The piece opens with a repeated motif played by Davis on trumpet, establishing the D Dorian mode. This simple but evocative melody, often described as “modal blues,” evokes a sense of introspection and melancholy.
• Improvisational Exploration: After the theme is introduced, each musician takes turns improvising over the two-chord structure. The lack of traditional chord changes allows for extended solos, with musicians exploring the nuances of the D Dorian and Eb Dorian modes in depth. Coltrane’s solo, renowned for its intensity and emotional depth, showcases his groundbreaking approach to improvisation, while Davis’s muted trumpet lines are characterized by their cool restraint and understated beauty.

Kind of Blue: A Historical Context: Released in 1959, Kind of Blue became the best-selling jazz record of all time, revolutionizing the genre and inspiring generations of musicians. The album marked a turning point for Miles Davis, who was already established as a leading figure in bebop but sought to explore new sonic territories.

The recording sessions for Kind of Blue were famously loose and improvisational. Davis provided basic melodic sketches for the pieces, leaving ample room for individual expression. This approach encouraged a collaborative spirit among the musicians, resulting in some of the most spontaneous and inspired jazz performances ever recorded.

“So What”: Beyond the Music:

The influence of “So What” extends far beyond the realm of music. The piece has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, becoming a ubiquitous soundtrack for cool sophistication. Its simple yet evocative melody has also been sampled and remixed by hip-hop artists and electronic music producers, demonstrating its enduring relevance across genres.

Listening Guide: To fully appreciate the nuances of “So What,” it’s helpful to listen actively, paying attention to the interplay between the musicians and the subtle shifts in mood and texture.

• Notice the contrast: Between Davis’s muted trumpet lines and Coltrane’s soaring tenor saxophone solos.
• Focus on the interplay: Between the melodic improvisations and the rhythmic foundation provided by Chambers (bass) and Cobb (drums).

A Final Note:

“So What,” with its deceptively simple structure and profound emotional depth, continues to captivate listeners decades after its release. This groundbreaking piece of music remains a testament to the power of improvisation, innovation, and the enduring legacy of Miles Davis and his collaborators.