Episode 248: I Don ’t Particularly Like Modes A Lot

I usually try to avoid talking about jazz theory in this podcast. That’s partly because of it’s complexity, as well as my own limited knowledge. I do believe its possible to love a piece of jazz without understanding the theory behind it.

At the same time, if we have a sense of some of the different scales or ‘modes’ used, it can enhance our ability to make sense of it.

In this episode I talk briefly about the seven major key ‘modes’–the Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixylidian, Aeolian, and Locrian. Then I play a jazz recording that utilizes each mode.

You’ll hear great recordings by John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Sarah Vaughan, Gil Evans, Woody Shaw, and the recently deceased Richard Davis with Junior Mance,.

Oh! And don’t take the title of this podcast too literally.. It’s a mnemonic that helps me to remember the modes.