As bebop became more complex, many artists decided to bring bop back to its swing roots, inventing a laid-back 'West Coast' approach. Miles Davis' 1950 album The Birth of the Cool made ensemble arrangements and a swinging style (often overlooked in bebop) 'cool' again. Saxophone players like Art Pepper and Stan Getz used elements of bebop in their solos, adding a sultry, smooth tone to their improvisations; ultimately their music married the intriguing complexities of bebop with a sense of melody and a lush, velvety melodic style.

Notable Artists: Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Art Pepper