Final answer:
John Coltrane's work with his Classic Quartet enhanced the progression and popularity of modal jazz in the early 1960s through albums like A Love Supreme, which introduced new freedom in improvisation and resonated widely, thus influencing future jazz generations.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Coltrane's work with his Classic Quartet significantly progressed and popularized modal jazz in the early 1960s. The Classic Quartet's exploration into modality provided a stark contrast to the chord progression-driven structure of bebop. In modal jazz, improvisation was focused on scales or modes, allowing for a freer exchange of musical ideas and enabling musicians to express their creativity with fewer constraints.
Coltrane's seminal album, A Love Supreme, is often cited as a masterpiece of modal jazz and has had a widespread impact on later jazz musicians. His use of extended solos and spiritual themes conveyed through this modality marked a notable departure from the norms of the time.
The accessibility and emotional depth of Coltrane's music, deeply rooted in improvisation and exploration, resonated with a wide audience, thus advancing the popularity of modal jazz. His influence has been lasting, continually inspiring generations of jazz musicians and listeners alike, securing his legacy as a leading figure in the development of modern jazz.