Jazz, since its inception, has been a genre that embraces innovation. It evolved the way music is performed by introducing groundbreaking techniques. The use of improvisation, syncopation, and extended chord progressions were revolutionary for their time, setting jazz apart from traditional musical forms.

Moreover, the development of bebop in the mid-1940s introduced intricate melodies and complex harmonies, elevating piano jazz to a new level of musical sophistication. Musicians like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie were at the forefront of this movement, paving the way for modern jazz.