Bebop is a style of jazz that is characterised by a fast tempo, instrumental virtuosity and improvisation based on the harmonic structure and the head. It started to devop in the early 1940s and ultimately became associated with modern jazz. It completely contrasts with cool jazz as cool jazz is characterised by light, pure sound derived from classical music where as bebop is all about the lively, fast and virtuosic playing. Bebop musicians explored advanced harmonies, complex syncopation, altered chords, chord substitutions, asymmetrical phrasing, intricate melodies and using rhythm sections in a way that expanded on their role.
Unlike the swing era, which was the jazz style era that preceded bebop that was characterised with straightforward compositions, bebop was characterised by fast virtuosic tempos, intricate melodies, rhythm sections and asymmetrical phrasing that expanded the borders of jazz music.
Bebop was first explored by the 1939 recording of "Body and Soul" by Coleman Hawkins. He departed from the existing jazz style to a completely new piece. His recording was popular and he became an inspiration to a younger generation of jazz musicians, most notably Charlie Parker.
The name 'bebop' is a imitative of the typical rhythm of this music.
Examples of bebop pieces
Miles Davis - Move
Lester Young - Jumpin with symphony
Charlie Parker - Koko
Other jazz styles include Styles Afro-Cuban, Avant-Garde, Big Band, Hard, Jump, Blues, Latin, Modal Music, Post-bop, Swing, Vocal and World Fusion jazz.