Dang ......I'm sposed to be writing music today and some how this theory stuff caught my brain(very bad for composing) so I'm gonna get through my little obssesion.......
I'm not the best at this stuff but here's an explanation if you don't get one.the Jazz Melodic Minor scale is used to play over alterd (usually dominant) chords.the thory is it's the altered notes of altered chords
The notes for an altered dominant (b5,#5,b9,#9) are all contained in the Jazz Melodic Minor.I'm sure it's got a millin dipsy doodle names ...
Ex.

For C7th altered (b5,#5,b9,#9)

C7th= C-E-G-Bb

Db Jazz Melodic Minor

Db b9
Eb #9(b3)
E(Fb) 3
Gb b5
Ab(G#) #5
Bb b7
C root

Since it's relating to the C7th altered chord it would be C(..fill in your fav name...uhhh how 'bout.... C Super Locrian)


You could also break it down into triads

Db mi (C#mi)

Db- b9
Fb- 3
Ab -(G#) #5

EbMinor

Eb- #9
Gb -b5
Bb -b7

Etc.........

Or combine 2 of these triads for a hexatonic altered (pentatonic work also) then the modes of ...on and on.I don't think theres one short cut but experimenting till you find whats comfortable to you..This is a hell of a lot of work and the greats all differ in the approach since there are so many...good luck climbin the mountain.

BUTCH

Dear God...please save me from your followers...Amen.