Liberian Suite
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. 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". Around 1953 Philips brought out the Liberian Suite on Minigroove 33 1/3 under number B 07611R Track listing. ":All compositions by Duke Ellington"