Barney Kessel, Shelly Manne and Ray Brown - Poll Winners Exploring the Scene (1960)

Poll Winners Exploring the Scene (1960) is a jazz album by guitarist Barney Kessel, drummer Shelly Manne, and bassist Ray Brown, collectively known as The Poll Winners. Released on Contemporary Records, it was the fourth in their celebrated series highlighting West Coast jazz excellence. The trio—each a top-ranked musician in DownBeat magazine polls—showcases remarkable interplay and technical mastery. The album features interpretations of contemporary jazz compositions, delivered with relaxed swing, clarity, and precision. Known for its warm production by Lester Koenig, it captures the synergy of three virtuosos exploring modern jazz landscapes with sophistication and vibrant energy.

Tracklist

1. Little Susie
2. The Duke
3. So What
4. Misty
5. Doodlin'
6. The Golden Striker
7. Li'l Darlin'
8. The Blessing
9. This Here
Barney Kessel, Shelly Manne and Ray Brown - Poll Winners Exploring the Scene (1960)

personnel :

Barney Kessel - guitar
Ray Brown - bass
Shelly Manne - drums

For one of their better outings, the Poll Winners (guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Shelly Manne) perform nine fairly recent jazz standards. It is ironic that this is their only release not yet reissued on CD, since it may very well be their strongest program. The trio performs creative versions of such songs as "Little Susie," "So What," "Doodlin'," "This Here," and Ornette Coleman's "The Blessing." Worth searching for.~Scott Yanow