What type of ensembles did cool jazz typically form in relation to swing music?

Cool jazz typically formed smaller ensembles in comparison to swing music, which often featured larger orchestras and big band formations. The smaller ensemble setup allows for greater individual expression and more intricate interpersonal dynamics among musicians. This style emphasizes a more understated and relaxed approach as opposed to the energetic and exuberant sound of swing bands, which relied on larger groups to create a fuller, more robust sound.

In cool jazz, the members often include a smaller number of instrumentalists, such as a rhythm section along with a few soloists, which leads to a different musical conversation and complexity than what is found in the elaborate arrangements of big bands. This shift to smaller groups enabled more nuanced performances and improvisations, making it a defining characteristic of the cool jazz movement.