What does the term "free jazz" imply in relation to jazz music?

The term "free jazz" signifies a style of jazz music characterized by improvisation without the constraints of fixed forms or predetermined structures. This approach allows musicians to explore sounds, rhythms, and dynamics more freely and expressively, breaking away from conventional melodies, harmonies, and rhythms that typically define earlier jazz styles. Artists involved in free jazz often prioritize spontaneity and individual artistic expression, leading to a diverse range of musical outcomes.

In contrast, the other options emphasize adherence to traditional forms, harmony, and written scores, which are antithetical to the essence of free jazz. This genre is fundamentally about liberation from these norms, embracing a more experimental approach that challenges the boundaries of jazz music.