Bebop

Bebop is a style of jazz that developed in the 1940s. It is characterised 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 Charlie Parker, Dizzie Gillespie, Max Roach, Kenny Clarke, Oscar Pettiford and Thelonious Monk.