Bebop

Bebop (also known simply as bop) is a style of jazz that developed in the 1940s. It is characterized by a melodic and harmonic component far more complex than the swing style of the time. Also, in contrast to the Big Bands of the era, it was mainly played by small groups.

Its foremost innovators were Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dizzie Gillespie, Max Roach, Kenny Clarke, Oscar Pettiford, Bud Powell, Fats Navarro and Thelonious Monk.