# Forbidden triads and Creative Success in Jazz: The Miles Davis Factor

**Authors:** Balazs Vedres  
**arXiv:** [1709.03787](https://arxiv.org/abs/1709.03787)  
**Date:** 2017-09-12  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/1709.03787v1/

## Key points

- Forbidden triads are open triads with high-weight edges
- They have been overlooked but offer unique opportunities for innovation in creative fields, particularly in recorded jazz
- Data analysis of recorded jazz from 1896 to 2010 shows a higher tolerance for forbidden triads and their greater presence than expected
- The density of forbidden triads significantly contributes to the success of recording sessions, measured by the number of record releases featuring session material
- Miles Davis' sessions received an exceptionally high boost from forbidden triads, suggesting their crucial role in his creative success
- Forbidden triads challenge traditional notions and allow musicians to unlock new avenues for artistic expression and achieve greater success.

## Summary

This article, titled "Forbidden Triads and Creative Success in Jazz: The Miles Davis Factor," explores the significance of forbidden triads - open triads with high-weight edges - in predicting success in creative fields, particularly in the context of recorded jazz. While forbidden triads have often been overlooked as a residual category beyond closed and open triads, the author argues that these structures offer unique opportunities to combine socially evolved styles in innovative ways. To support this argument, the author analyzes data spanning the entire history of recorded jazz from 1896 to 2010. The findings reveal that observed collaborations within jazz have exhibited a higher tolerance for the openness of high weight triads than expected. Additionally, jazz sessions have shown a greater presence of forbidden triads than anticipated. Furthermore, the density of forbidden triads has been found to contribute significantly to the success of recording sessions, as measured by the number of record releases featuring session material. Interestingly, the study highlights that Miles Davis' sessions received an exceptionally high boost from forbidden triads. This suggests that Davis' ability to incorporate and explore these unconventional musical structures played a crucial role in his creative success. Overall, this research sheds light on the importance of forbidden triads and their impact on creative outcomes within jazz music. By challenging traditional notions and embracing novel combinations of socially evolved styles, musicians can unlock new avenues for artistic expression and achieve greater success in their respective fields.