5 Key Facts About Herbie Hancock in Miles Davis’s Second Great Quintet

Hancock played piano in the Second Great Quintet from 1963 to 1968. This group is widely considered one of the most influential jazz ensembles.

He appeared on three essential albums: E.S.P., Miles Smiles, and Nefertiti. These records showcase the quintet’s innovative, post-bop sound.

The quintet also featured Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. This lineup pushed jazz toward modal and free approaches.

Hancock’s harmonic sophistication was a key part of the group’s sound. His voicings and comping style helped define the quintet’s modern edge.

His tenure ended in 1968, but the experience shaped his later career. The improvisational freedom he learned there influenced his own groundbreaking work.