5 X 5 (In The Long Form)

'5 X 5 (In The Long Form)' marks the inauguration of yet another series here at Birds With Broken Wings*, wherein I plan to explore the long song form with compositions from all genres of music that at least run, or exceed 10 minutes in length. A simple premise really, but one which must be approached cautiously. Outside of the classical arena, many longer compositions can rapidly dissolve into exercises in tedium, unless they are properly handled by those who know the art of the form, or at the very least have enough relevant things to say within them to prevent the proceedings from slipping into banality. Without either, it simply becomes monotonous and unnecessary posturing, as it might be referred to in polite society. Between you and I, we call it just plain wanking. Guitarists in the rock idiom are especially prone to this affliction, taking 88 bars to say what could easily be stated in 8. This will be avoided at all costs.

You can likely expect a few repeat artists throughout the series, those who excel in the form, such as the first five represented in this initial installment. Some classical pieces will find their way into the mix, but to rely on those would be cheating, as the majority of classics are built around the long form. Jam bands as a whole will be excluded, as they too exploit the form, but there are certainly a few that come to mind who would fit in nicely, and they deserve to be included. I would like to additionally to open the series to suggestions from you, the reader, provided the suggested material is available within my library. Of course, I can't make promises, particularly when your idea of a worthy contribution conflicts with my own view or opinion. In turn, I might expect that you may take issue with some of my own choices, and you are certainly free to express your thoughts in the comments section. All I ask is that you keep your disagreements clean, friendly and intelligent. And now, here are 5 X 5 (In The Long Form).

1) Sue's Changes/Charles Mingus
With George Adams, Jack Walrath, Don Pullen & Danny Richmond
Taken from 'Changes One'/Atlantic Records

Mingus frequently wrote in the extended form, this selection being one of his greatest examples.
Much like Sue's moods, the piece goes through multiple changes, but what makes it all the more
remarkable, is that except for one short segment, the entire song was recorded in only one take!

2) King Kong/The Mothers Of Invention
featuring Frank Zappa, Bunk Gardner, Ian Underwood, 'Motorhead' Sherwood,
Don Preston, Roy Estrada, Jimmy Carl Black, Billy Mundi, Art Tripp & Ray Collins (briefly)
Taken from 'Uncle Meat'/Bizarre Records

Frank Zappa was a champion of the long form, particularly in his stage presentations.
I've chosen a studio version of King Kong however (a centerpiece of early Mothers sets),
primarily because it most accurately captures the variations on a theme
that comprise the composition. There are many wonderful live versions of this song
(mostly available on bootlegs), each uniquely personal, depending on the year, band members
and temperament of the band leader. Only the theme remained consistent and once stated, the piece
could then go in any number of directions.

3) Sindhi-Bhairavi/Ravi Shankar
with N.C. Mullick & Chatur Lal
Taken from 'The Sounds Of India'/Columbia Records

A Master. What more can be said.

4) Spiritual/John Coltrane
with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison & Elvin Jones
Taken from 'The Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings'/Impulse Records

The further Coltrane pushed himself in his exploration of supreme expression,
the longer his tomes became in the process. Taken from the Complete Village Vanguard
Sessions, this version of Spiritual is one of several recorded across a four night stand
at the infamous club, each one a dialogue between man and his God. Prayers, if you will.

5) In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed/The Allman Brothers Band
featuring Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Dickie Betts,
Berry Oakley, Jai Johanny Johanson & Butch Trucks
Taken from 'The Allman Brothers Band At Fillmore East/Capricorn Records

I attended the Atlanta Pop Festival, where The Allman Brothers dominated the
secondary stage. Still a local band at the time, I was mesmerized by the sympatico
demonstrated between band members, and was equally blown away to hear such undiscovered
talent! A year or so later, they were stars, and this Fillmore East recording demonstrates why.

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*Other on-going series include, TR-i (The Rundgren-index), Fire Into Music, and Biff! Bang! Pow! (From Beat To Paisley Pop).