Stan Getz
A Charlie Brown Christmas [Original TV Soundtrack]
Ken Burns Jazz
João Gilberto

Jazz » Cool » Cool

Cool Jazz evolved directly from bop in the late '40s and '50s. Essentially, it was a mixture of bop with certain aspects of swing that had been overlooked or temporarily discarded. Dissonances were smoothed out, tones were softened, arrangements became important again, and the rhythm section's accents were less jarring. Because some of the key pacesetters of the style (many of whom were studio musicians) were centered in Los Angeles, it was nicknamed "West Coast jazz." Some of the recordings were experimental in nature (hinting at classical music) and some overarranged sessions were bland, but in general this was a viable and popular style. By the late '50s, hard bop from the East Coast had succeeded cool jazz, although many of the style's top players had long and productive careers. Among the many top artists who were important in the development of cool jazz were Lester Young, Miles Davis, Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Shorty Rogers, and Howard Rumsey (leader of the Lighthouse All-Stars).

Cool Artists Highlights

Stan Getz
Stan Getz
João Gilberto
João Gilberto
Dave Brubeck
Dave Brubeck
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Stan Kenton
Stan Kenton
Miles Davis
Miles Davis

More Cool Artists

Cool Album Highlights

A Charlie Brown Christmas [Original TV Soundtrack]
Vince Guaraldi Trio / ...
A Charlie Brown Christmas ...
Ken Burns Jazz
Lester Young
Ken Burns Jazz
Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster
Gerry Mulligan / Ben ...
Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben ...
The Complete Last Concert
The Modern Jazz Quartet
The Complete Last Concert
Miles Ahead
Miles Davis
Miles Ahead
'Round About Midnight
Miles Davis
'Round About Midnight

More Cool Albums

Cool Song Highlights

Title/Composer Performer Stream
Linus & Lucy
Vince Guaraldi Trio
Lester Leaps In Lester Young
Chelsea Bridge Gerry Mulligan
Bags' Groove The Modern Jazz Quartet
I Don't Wanna Be Kissed (By Anyone But You) Miles Davis
'Round Midnight Miles Davis
Time After Time Chet Baker
The Surrey with the Fringe on Top Ahmad Jamal Trio
Laura Cal Tjader
Tempus Fugit
Miles Davis

More Cool Songs

Other Styles in Cool