Kansas City jazz is a distinctive style of jazz that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s in Kansas City, Missouri. It is characterized by its strong emphasis on improvisation, blues influences, and a lively, swinging rhythm. Musicians often used a call-and-response format, drawing from African American musical traditions. Key figures in this genre include Count Basie and Charlie Parker, who helped shape its sound. Kansas City jazz is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous clubs and venues that showcased talented musicians. This style laid the groundwork for later developments in jazz, influencing many artists and genres.