Which of the following best describes modal jazz?

Modal jazz is characterized by its use of modes or scales as the foundation for improvisation, rather than the traditional chord progressions that define much of jazz music. This approach allows musicians to explore a broader tonal palette and create more fluid and extended improvisational lines. By focusing on scales, performers have greater freedom to express their creativity and emotions without the constraints of shifting harmonies that typically guide other forms of jazz.

This distinction is significant because modal jazz emerged as a prominent style in the late 1950s and is exemplified by works such as Miles Davis's "Kind of Blue." It allows for a shift in focus toward exploring melody and texture, emphasizing the quality of sound and the expressive capabilities of the soloists. This foundation sets modal jazz apart from other jazz styles that adhere closely to specific harmonic structures and chord changes.