Duke-Ellington-Series: «New Orleans Suite»

The Zurich Jazz Orchestra continues its in-depth exploration of the music of Duke Ellington with one of his late masterpieces: the “New Orleans Suite”. Recorded in 1970, the album received the Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance in 1971.

Reviewing the album in DownBeat magazine more than fifty years ago, Dan Morgenstern wrote: “The music is evocative, highly atmospheric and marked throughout by the gorgeous ensemble textures that set this orchestra apart from every other big band in the history of jazz.”
More than half a century later, the “New Orleans Suite” remains as compelling as ever—a landmark recording and one of Ellington’s finest achievements. It is a deeply felt tribute to the roots of jazz, viewed through the nostalgic and reflective perspective of an ageing Duke Ellington.

The programme is rounded out by highlights from several of Ellington’s other late suites, including “The Far East Suite”, “Such Sweet Thunder”, and “Peer Gynt”, offering a fascinating glimpse into the remarkable creative flowering of his final years.