Which genre of music is characterized by improvisation, swing, and blue notes?

Jazz is characterized by its distinctive features such as improvisation, swing, and the use of blue notes. Improvisation in jazz allows musicians to create spontaneous melodies and harmonies during performances, leading to a unique and unpredictable sound each time a piece is played. The concept of "swing" refers to the rhythmic feel and pulse in jazz, giving it a lively and dynamic quality that is often felt in the music's groove. Additionally, blue notes, which are notes sung or played at a slightly lower pitch, add a soulful and expressive quality, emphasizing the emotional depth that is a hallmark of jazz music.

In contrast, classical music typically follows strict compositional rules and is written out in detail, leaving little room for improvisation. Rock music tends to emphasize prominent melodies, strong rhythms, and electric instrumentation, often without the complex improvisational elements found in jazz. Folk music is generally rooted in traditional styles and community storytelling, focusing on narrative lyrics rather than the improvisatory and swing qualities inherent in jazz.