What is the musical element that distinguishes jazz?

One of the key musical elements that distinguishes jazz is improvisation. Jazz musicians often take the basic structure of a song and improvise on it, adding their own interpretations, variations, and embellishments. This spontaneity and creativity in performance is a hallmark of jazz music, giving musicians the freedom to express themselves individually and create unique, one-of-a-kind performances. Improvisation is a central component of jazz, allowing for endless possibilities and surprises in each performance.