# 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.

*By YPB Team · Published April 13, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-jazz-band-of-all-time*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

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

Tags: music, jazz, bands