Abe Beeson, host of KNKX's modern jazz show "The New Cool," says that 21st century jazz is a reflection of a society making connections that seemed impossible just a few decades ago.

Polarizing, cool, and in your face — jazz and hip hop are similar that way. Terae Stefon takes a look at the history and connection for Jazz Appreciation Month.

In the 1990s, hard bop, classic and retro-swing had a resurgence. During this "what’s-old-is-new-again" era, those jazz styles took on their own flavor, going in new directions from earlier forms.

Drawing on soul jazz from the '60s and '70s, DJs in the London club scene began to remix and revive classic tracks, creating the compilation sound of acid jazz.

With origins in Africa, Cuban rhythms mixed with American jazz in the 1940s, and opened the door for fusions with pop, rock and soul in the 1960s. Robin Lloyd tells the story of Afro-Cuban jazz, part of KNKX and Jazz24's A History of Jazz project.

In 1969, Miles Davis pioneered the sound of jazz fusion, creating a ripple effect as members of his band went on to form their own iconic side groups. Steve Edwards captures the moment that defined the sound, instruments and key figures of jazz fusion.

Often using an electric Hammond organ, soul jazz drew influences from gospel, blues and R&B and, of course, the popular soul genre. Stephanie Anne Johnson explores the early days of the soul jazz.

Free jazz might shove you a bit – or a lot – out of your comfort zone. Carl Pogue suggests that might not be such a bad thing.

In the 1960s, a lyrical Brazilian style of music lent a sweet touch to jazz. Robin Lloyd has the story of the bossa nova for the KNKX and Jazz24 A History of Jazz project.

In the 1950s and early '60s, jazz lovers got a bit territorial. There were two main sounds of jazz—the East Coast hard bop sound and the mellower West Coast sound— called "West Coast cool" — or simply "cool jazz."