What makes The Poll Winners by Barney Kessel notable?

The Poll Winners received critical acclaim, with its innovative blend of guitar-led arrangements influencing future generations of jazz musicians. This album became a staple in jazz education and is noted for its significant role in elevating Kessel's profile as a guitarist during a period when jazz was evolving rapidly. Released in 1957, The Poll Winners marked Barney Kessel's emergence as a leading guitarist in the jazz scene. This album followed his earlier works and solidified his reputation after he gained recognition for his contributions to the jazz genre, particularly within the West Coast jazz movement.

Who is The Poll Winners for?

The Poll Winners works well if you're into intimate evening gatherings, virtuosic guitar interplay and smooth transitions between tracks.

How many songs are on The Poll Winners?

The Poll Winners has 9 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

The Poll Winners

Barney Kessel · 1957

40 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant interplay of swinging melodies and intricate guitar solos, showcasing the essence of mid-century jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Jordu — This track features an intricate yet catchy melody that highlights Kessel's virtuosic guitar work, setting a high standard for improvisation in jazz.
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Satin Doll — Kessel's interpretation of this classic showcases his ability to blend lyrical lines with complex harmonies, creating an engaging listening experience.
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On Green Dolphin Street — This arrangement allows Kessel to explore dynamic rhythms and expressive phrasing, illustrating his unique style while paying homage to the original composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate guitar work and strong compositions, solidifying Kessel's place in jazz history.

What we noticed

Each track features extended guitar solos that often trade off with the piano and bass, creating a dynamic interplay.
The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo swing throughout, with only minor variations in pace across the nine tracks.
Several tracks feature intricate harmonies and chord progressions that highlight Kessel's technical skill and improvisational abilities.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intimate evening gatherings
virtuosic guitar interplay
smooth transitions between tracks
melodic warmth for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy excitement
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1957, The Poll Winners marked Barney Kessel's emergence as a leading guitarist in the jazz scene. This album followed his earlier works and solidified his reputation after he gained recognition for his contributions to the jazz genre, particularly within the West Coast jazz movement.
Stylistic neighbors: Django Reinhardt· Stochelo Rosenberg· Joscho Stephan

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Jordu 3:26
2 Satin Doll 6:26
3 It Could Happen to You 4:23
4 Mean to Me 6:28
5 Don't Worry 'Bout Me 4:33
6 On Green Dolphin Street 4:00
7 You Go to My Head 4:30
8 Minor Mood 3:44
9 Nagasaki 3:04

What to play next

Listen next

The Poll Winners Ride Again!

1958

Go back to

Music to Listen to Barney Kessel By

1957

Full Barney Kessel discography Artists like Barney Kessel

Gypsy jazz jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata