SWING: In the 1930's, Jazz bands got bigger so they could make an impact in huge ballrooms where people could dance to the music. The style of Jazz they played was smoother and simpler than earlier Jazz. it was known as swing, and the bands who played it were called swing bands or big bands.
HOT AND COOL JAZZ: Some musicians found swing dull, so they experimented wiht rhythm and
harmony instead. The result was a loud, fiery, emotional style known as bebop, or modern Jazz.
THE 1950's AND AFTER: In the 50s, a style known as West Coast Jazz took root in California. This was more relaxed than bebop. Then came a much freer style, called free jazz, which ignored all the rules about harmony and structure." To listen to the differences between Jazz styles, you could visit the web site at http://www.jazzonln.com/