What style of jazz is characterized by hard-driving rhythms and energetic solos?

Hard Bop is a style of jazz that emerged in the mid-1950s, primarily as a reaction to the cooler, more subdued sounds of Cool Jazz. It incorporates elements of rhythm and blues, gospel music, and traditional jazz while featuring hard-driving rhythms that create an energetic and dynamic musical environment. The solos in Hard Bop are often vigorous and emotive, showcasing the virtuosity and expressiveness of the performers. This style emphasized a return to the blues and a more soulful approach, differentiating itself from the more intellectual and less rhythmically intense Cool Jazz and Modal Jazz.

In contrast, Cool Jazz tends to have a more laid-back feel, with softer dynamics and a focus on sophisticated melodies. Modal Jazz explores improvisation based on scales or modes rather than chord changes, often creating a less rhythmically aggressive sound. Progressive Jazz incorporates elements from various genres, including classical, but usually emphasizes experimentation and complexity over the driving rhythms typical of Hard Bop. Thus, the characteristics of Hard Bop distinctly align it with hard-driving rhythms and energetic solos, making it the correct answer.