Poll Winners

Shelly Manne, Ray Brown, Barney Kessel, Poll Winners | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 1, 1991)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ojc
• ASIN: B000000Y91
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,101 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Poll Winners trio was based on guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Shelly Manne, who each managed to place first on his instrument in the 1956 Down Beat, Metronome, and Playboy readers' polls, a remarkable feat given the range from hardcore jazz fans to casual generalists who read the magazines. Kessel and Brown had worked together as two-thirds of the Oscar Peterson trio, and they had all played together on numerous recording sessions, but the open sound of the guitar-led trio was a special opportunity for Brown and Manne to share the foreground. Kessel was an outstanding soloist, capable of almost trumpetlike phrases delivered with rhythmic bite and flexibility--unusual in guitarists of the era. His clear, boppish lines intertwine neatly with Brown's loping pulse and Manne's lightly swinging drums, while Brown's solos are almost as dexterous as the guitarist's. It's low-key, melodic music, equally suited for casual and close listening. --Stuart Broomer

Product Description

2009 Limited Edition Classic LP's. High Definition premium Vinyl pressing for super fidelity. 180 gram vinyl audiophile pressing. --This text refers to the Vinyl edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Poll Winners" Is A Winner!, March 10, 2001

By 

Michael B. Richman (Portland, Maine USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Poll Winners (Audio CD)

Guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Shelly Manne were the people's choice on their instruments in the late 1950s. Since they had recorded together in the past (with a variety of frontmen), it was only natural that they try to reap the financial rewards of their popularity by forming the Poll Winners Trio. Their first album, "The Poll Winners," is the perfect blend of jazz ear-candy and passionate, professional playing. With the exception of Kessel's "Minor Mood," this March 1957 session is an all standard affair, and they are all rendered beautifully, from "Satin Doll" to "On Green Dolphin Street." Simply put, "Poll Winners" is a winner.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic!, January 2, 2012

By 

Christer "Krippa" (Sweden) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Poll Winners (Audio CD)

This is a must for every lover of the jazz guitar! It still sounds very fresh, and Kessel and the others plays so musical!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars classic, May 25, 2011

By 

edcerc - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Poll Winners (Audio CD)

this is the best album ive heard from barney kessel, one of the best jazz guitarists ever. not to mention that this is a ridiculously tight group...what more can i say. this is not an album only guitarists will like, it is a album any seasoned jazz fan will appreciate.