In the 1950s, cool jazz musicians began connecting jazz with which musical genre?

In the 1950s, cool jazz musicians significantly influenced the development of jazz by drawing connections to Western classical music. This genre is characterized by a more laid-back and relaxed style compared to its hotter counterparts, such as bebop. Cool jazz often incorporates orchestral elements, intricate arrangements, and a focus on composition, which are hallmarks of classical music. Musicians like Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck were pivotal in blending jazz improvisation with classical music structures, leading to a sophisticated sound that was marked by its subtlety and restraint. This integration helped establish a new musical identity for jazz that emphasized harmony and delicacy, aligning it closely with classical traditions.