Miles Davis’s “So What,” a seminal track from the 1959 album Kind of Blue, is widely celebrated as a pivotal moment in the history of jazz. This composition not only signifies a crucial development in Davis’s career but also represents a groundbreaking shift in jazz music itself. The track is recognized for its innovative approach to modal jazz, a style that challenged conventional harmonic structures and opened new avenues for improvisation.
The Context of “So What”
To understand the significance of “So What,” it is essential to explore the musical and cultural landscape of the late 1950s. This period was marked by a transition from the complex chord progressions of bebop to the more open-ended modal jazz. The latter emerged as a response to the perceived constraints of bebop’s chord-heavy approach. Modal jazz, with its emphasis on scales rather than chord changes, offered musicians greater freedom to explore improvisation and expressiveness.
Miles Davis, already an influential figure in the jazz world, was at the forefront of this transition. His previous works, including the groundbreaking Birth of the Cool, had set the stage for his later experiments. By 1959, Davis was ready to push the boundaries of jazz even further, leading to the creation of Kind of Blue and its landmark track, “So What.”
The Creation of Kind of Blue
The recording of Kind of Blue took place over two sessions in March and April of 1959 at Columbia Records’ 30th Street Studio in New York City. The album featured a stellar lineup of musicians, including pianist Bill Evans, saxophonists John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Jimmy Cobb. The ensemble’s chemistry and collective talent played a crucial role in the album’s success.
“So What” was one of the first tracks recorded for the album and exemplifies the modal approach that Davis sought to explore. The song is built around a simple yet innovative structure that deviates from traditional jazz norms. Its recording process was relatively straightforward, with the musicians improvising within the framework of the modal scales, showcasing their ability to adapt and create within a new musical context.
The Modal Jazz Revolution
“So What” is a quintessential example of modal jazz, a style that emphasizes improvisation over a single scale rather than navigating through multiple chord changes. This approach contrasts sharply with bebop, which relied on complex chord progressions and fast-paced changes. Modal jazz allows musicians to explore themes and variations within a more relaxed harmonic structure, providing greater creative freedom.
The track’s foundation is built on the Dorian mode, a scale that provides a distinctive, somewhat introspective sound. The simplicity of the modal approach contrasts with the complexity of earlier jazz styles, allowing for a more meditative and fluid improvisational experience.
Musical Structure and Improvisation
“So What” opens with a memorable bassline played by Paul Chambers, which serves as the cornerstone of the piece. This bassline, accompanied by a laid-back, modal harmony, sets the stage for the improvisational interplay that characterizes the track. The melody, introduced by the horns, is straightforward yet compelling, providing a foundation for the improvisational explorations that follow.
Miles Davis’s trumpet solo, characterized by its cool, understated delivery, epitomizes the modal approach. Davis’s playing in “So What” is marked by a relaxed yet precise articulation, reflecting the new possibilities offered by modal jazz. His solo is followed by John Coltrane’s powerful tenor saxophone performance, which further explores the modal framework with passionate and inventive improvisation.
The track’s structure is relatively simple, with a repeated 16-bar form based on the Dorian mode. This simplicity allows the musicians to focus on developing their improvisational ideas and interacting with each other in real-time. The result is a performance that feels both cohesive and spontaneous, a testament to the musicians’ skill and the new direction of modal jazz.
The Impact of “So What” and Kind of Blue
The release of Kind of Blue and the track “So What” had a profound impact on the jazz world. The album is often cited as one of the greatest jazz recordings of all time, and “So What” is frequently recognized as a cornerstone of the modal jazz movement. The innovative approach of the album influenced countless musicians and became a touchstone for future developments in jazz.
“So What” and Kind of Blue played a significant role in popularizing modal jazz and demonstrating its potential. The album’s success helped to solidify Miles Davis’s reputation as a visionary artist and showcased his ability to lead and inspire a group of talented musicians. The track’s influence extended beyond jazz, impacting a wide range of genres and musicians who admired its innovative approach and emotional depth.
Legacy and Influence
The legacy of “So What” is evident in its continued relevance and influence on the jazz genre. The track has been covered and studied extensively, serving as a model for improvisational techniques and modal exploration. Its impact is also reflected in the work of subsequent jazz musicians, many of whom have cited Davis’s approach to modal jazz as a source of inspiration.
The track’s influence can be seen in the evolution of jazz styles and the development of new musical approaches. “So What” helped to pave the way for the exploration of other modal forms and experimental techniques, contributing to the ongoing evolution of jazz music.
The song’s impact extends beyond the jazz community, influencing musicians and composers in various genres. The modal approach introduced in “So What” has inspired artists across the musical spectrum, highlighting the track’s enduring significance and versatility.
Conclusion
Miles Davis’s “So What” stands as a defining moment in the history of jazz, marking a revolutionary shift in the genre’s development. The track’s innovative use of modal jazz, combined with its memorable melodies and improvisational freedom, showcases the artistic vision of Davis and his ensemble. Its impact on jazz and popular music underscores the track’s importance and the enduring legacy of Kind of Blue.
Through its groundbreaking approach and lasting influence, “So What” continues to be celebrated as a milestone in jazz history. The song’s innovative spirit and musical excellence make it a timeless classic, reflecting the profound creativity and vision of Miles Davis and his collaborators.
