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. 1
   Miles Davis Quintet

   Miles Davis's classic quintet featuring Coltrane, Chambers, and others
2. 2
   John Coltrane Quartet

   Coltrane's classic quartet known for "A Love Supreme"
3. 3
   Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers

   Hard bop ensemble that launched careers of countless jazz musicians
4. 4
   Dave Brubeck Quartet

   Jazz quartet known for "Take Five" and innovative time signatures
5. 5
   Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop

   Bassist and composer Mingus's ensemble known for complex compositions
6. 6
   Weather Report

   Jazz fusion supergroup featuring Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter
7. 7
   Herbie Hancock & the Headhunters

   Fusion ensemble known for the landmark funk-jazz album "Head Hunters"
8. 8
   Pat Metheny Group

   Jazz guitarist's ensemble known for blending jazz with world music and rock
9. 9
   Thelonious Monk Quartet

   Eccentric pianist's quartet known for angular melodies and complex harmonies
10. 10
    Ornette Coleman Quartet

    Free jazz pioneer whose quartet revolutionized jazz in the late 1950s
11. 11
    Sun Ra Arkestra

    Avant-garde jazz ensemble led by eccentric pianist Sun Ra
12. 12
    The Modern Jazz Quartet

    Sophisticated ensemble known for blending jazz with classical influences
13. 13
    Wynton Marsalis Septet

    Trumpet virtuoso's ensemble known for reviving acoustic jazz traditions
14. 14
    Return to Forever

    Jazz fusion supergroup led by Chick Corea
15. 15
    The Mahavishnu Orchestra

    John McLaughlin's electric jazz fusion ensemble known for complex rhythms
16. 16
    Bill Evans Trio

    Influential jazz piano trio known for delicate, introspective playing
17. 17
    Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band

    Baritone saxophonist's large ensemble known for cool jazz sound