The focus of many big bands was on commercial rather than artistic fulfillment. New songs based on chords of standards. Introduction of Latin rhythms. Drummers and bass players were featured as soloists. The music is intense and technical.
Cool jazz is a reaction to the intensity of bop.
Musicians withdrew from the audience. Miles Davis was the leading figure in this style. He is possibly the most important personality in the history of jazz. It was an attempt to abandon the rigid forms and harmonic structures of traditional jazz. It featured free, collective improvisation.