Long Form Rock Classics – Caravan, Pink Floyd and The Rascals

Here are three obscure but most excellent rock “concerti” from the early 1970s. In addition to the jazz orchestra classics by Frank Zappa, I keep coming back to these three:

Nine Feet Underground (sample but not a typical passage) from In the Land of Grey and Pink by Caravan — 9FU is a progressive rock masterpiece. It rambles through several loosely connected improvisational and lyric “movements” with multiple key changes and unusual time signatures. Available only on CD (there are other live versions as well on MP3).

Atom Heart Mother (sample) by Pink Floyd — AHM is very classical in form and instrumentation. It makes use of a small orchestra and chorus (a sort of “ninth symphony” of rock classics). Available on CD and MP3.

Peaceful World (sample) by The Rascals — PW is a pleasant extended jazz improvisation. One of the nicest musical “grooves” I know of. Only available on CD.