Yes, John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things” is a modal jazz piece. Modal jazz is a type of jazz that is characterized by its use of musical modes instead of chord progressions as the harmonic framework for improvisation. Modal jazz emphasizes improvisation and allows musicians to create extended solos over a single chord or mode.
“My Favorite Things” is a song that was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for the musical “The Sound of Music.” John Coltrane recorded his version of the song in 1960 for his album “My Favorite Things.”
Coltrane’s version of “My Favorite Things” is a modal jazz piece because it is based on a single mode, the Dorian mode. The song is played in 3/4 time and the melody is built on the Dorian scale, which is a minor scale with a raised sixth. The chords in the song are also built on the Dorian mode, giving the piece a modal feel.
Coltrane’s use of the Dorian mode in “My Favorite Things” is an example of his innovative approach to jazz improvisation. Coltrane was known for his exploration of modal jazz and his use of modes in his improvisations. He believed that modal jazz allowed for greater freedom in improvisation and allowed musicians to express themselves more fully.
In addition to its use of the Dorian mode, “My Favorite Things” is also notable for its use of rhythmic displacement. Coltrane and his bandmates play with the rhythm of the melody, creating a sense of tension and release. This rhythmic experimentation is another characteristic of modal jazz.
In conclusion, John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things” is a modal jazz piece because it is based on a single mode, the Dorian mode, and emphasizes improvisation over chord progressions. Coltrane’s use of the Dorian mode and his rhythmic experimentation make “My Favorite Things” an important example of his innovative approach to jazz improvisation.
