Jazz scales are used by improvisers to convey complex harmonies common in Jazz.
The names of the jazz scales imply that they are based on the modes, with certain
scale degrees altered. If you know the modes you can learn the jazz scales.
The jazz scales are based on the ascending melodic minor scale. Just as the
modes were based on the major scale starting on different scale degrees, the
jazz scales are based on the melodic minor scale, starting on different scale
degrees.