What is a contrafact in bebop music?

A contrafact in bebop music refers to a new melody composed over the existing chord progressions of a standard tune. This practice allowed musicians to engage with familiar harmonic structures while showcasing their creativity and improvisational skills through the introduction of original melodic lines. Bebop musicians often took well-known songs, such as standards from the jazz repertoire, and crafted new melodies that fit within the same chord changes, thereby creating a fresh piece of music that retained the essence of the original harmonies. This approach not only provided a vehicle for improvisation but also demonstrated the virtuosity and innovation of bebop artists, highlighting their ability to transform traditional materials into something novel and interesting.