Miles Davis famously led two great quintents during the most celebrated phase of his career. The first great quintet was active from 1955 to 1961. It consisted of the following players:
- Miles Davis (trumpet)
- John Coltrane (saxophone)
- Bill Evans (piano)
- Paul Chambers (bass)
- Jimmy Cobb (drums)
The second great quintet was active from 1963 to 1968. It consisted of the following players:
- Miles Davis (trumpet)
- Wayne Shorter (saxophone)
- Herbie Hancock (piano)
- Ron Carter (bass)
- Tony Williams (drums)
After the dissolution of the second quintet, Miles went on to record one of his most groundbreaking albums, Bitches Brew, which was his first to use primarily electric instruments. This record included the following players, among others:
- Miles Davis: Trumpet
- Wayne Shorter: Soprano saxophone
- Bennie Maupin: Bass clarinet
- Joe Zawinul: Electric piano (left)
- Chick Corea: Electric piano (right)
- John McLaughlin: Electric guitar
- Dave Holland: Electric bass
- Harvey Brooks: Electric bass
- Jack DeJohnette: Drums
- Don Alias: Drums
- Juma Santos: Congas