What is the best jazz band of all time?

Jazz is America's original art form — an endlessly evolving conversation between musicians that has captivated listeners for over a century. From the cool restraint of Miles Davis to the explosive free jazz of Ornette Coleman, these ensembles pushed music to its limits. Vote for the jazz band whose brilliance, innovation, and legacy you believe stands above all others.

1

Miles Davis Quintet

Miles Davis's classic quintet featuring Coltrane, Chambers, and others

2

John Coltrane Quartet

Coltrane's classic quartet known for "A Love Supreme"

3

Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers

Hard bop ensemble that launched careers of countless jazz musicians

4

Dave Brubeck Quartet

Jazz quartet known for "Take Five" and innovative time signatures

5

Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop

Bassist and composer Mingus's ensemble known for complex compositions

6

Weather Report

Jazz fusion supergroup featuring Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter

7

Herbie Hancock & the Headhunters

Fusion ensemble known for the landmark funk-jazz album "Head Hunters"

8

Pat Metheny Group

Jazz guitarist's ensemble known for blending jazz with world music and rock

9

Thelonious Monk Quartet

Eccentric pianist's quartet known for angular melodies and complex harmonies

10

Ornette Coleman Quartet

Free jazz pioneer whose quartet revolutionized jazz in the late 1950s

11

Sun Ra Arkestra

Avant-garde jazz ensemble led by eccentric pianist Sun Ra

12

The Modern Jazz Quartet

Sophisticated ensemble known for blending jazz with classical influences

13

Wynton Marsalis Septet

Trumpet virtuoso's ensemble known for reviving acoustic jazz traditions

14

Return to Forever

Jazz fusion supergroup led by Chick Corea

15

The Mahavishnu Orchestra

John McLaughlin's electric jazz fusion ensemble known for complex rhythms

16

Bill Evans Trio

Influential jazz piano trio known for delicate, introspective playing

17

Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band

Baritone saxophonist's large ensemble known for cool jazz sound