Liberian Suite is an album by American pianist, composer and bandleader Duke Ellington, recorded for the Columbia label in 1947. The album was Ellingon's second 10" LP album and one of his earlier works on the Columbia label.A Duke Ellington Panorama accessed May 25, 2010 The suite represents one of Ellington's early extended compositions and was commissioned for the Liberian centennial. The Liberian Suite was released on CD as bonus tracks on Ellington Uptown in 2004.
Reception The AllMusic review awarded the album 3 stars and stated, "Liberian Suite was his first international commission, from the government of the African nation, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding by freed American slaves—it was the first formal manifestation of a process by which Ellington would be a virtual musical ambassador to the world by the end of the next decade. As to the music, it is not Ellington's most sophisticated piece of music, but it is filled with bracing rhythms, juicy parts for the horns and saxes, and one stunning vocal part".[ AllMusic Review] accessed May 25, 2010
Around 1953 Philips brought out Liberian Suite on Minigroove 33 1/3 under number B 07611R
Track listing All compositions by Duke Ellington. "The Liberian Suite: I Like the Sunrise" – 4:28 "The Liberian Suite: Dance No. 1" – 4:50 "The Liberian Suite: Dance No. 2" – 3:26 "The Liberian Suite: Dance No. 3" – 3:45 "The Liberian Suite: Dance No. 4" – 3:04 "The Liberian Suite: Dance No. 5" – 5:08 Recorded at Liederkranz Hall in New York on December 24, 1947
Personnel Duke Ellington – piano Shorty Baker, Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams – trumpet Ray Nance – trumpet, violin Lawrence Brown – trombone Tyree Glenn – trombone, vibraphone Claude Jones – valve trombone Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet, tenor saxophone Russell Procope – alto saxophone, clarinet Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone Al Sears – tenor saxophone Harry Carney – baritone saxophone Fred Guy – guitar Oscar Pettiford, Junior Raglin – bass Sonny Greer – drums Al Hibbler – vocal (track 1)
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