The Poll Winners

Ray Brown, Poll Winners, Shelly Manne, Barney Kessel

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 1, 1991)
• Original Release Date: March 18, 1957
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ojc
• ASIN: B000000Y91
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #81,411 in Music (See Bestsellers 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

The first two albums recorded by the Kessel-Brown-Manne Trio in its entirety. This formation began as the result of all three musicians sweeping the Metronome, Down Beat and Playboy polls, but quickly proved to be a greatly effective and popular unit. Both LPs were given a rating of when reviewed in Down Beat. Includes 16-page comprehensive booklet! --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 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 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars jazz classic, December 23, 1999

By	James A McLeod (Australia) - See all my reviews

Simply one of the great records of the time; therefore important music from leaders in that era.