Big Swifty (17:22) is a composition by Frank Zappa from his solo studio album Waka/Jawaka (1972).
It is a jazz-fusion tune, similar to many of Zappa's pieces from the jazz period of his compositional time line. It features many horns to achieve a thick brassy sound as well as room for improvisation and use of multiple time signatures. Opening in a fast 7/8 riff, the tune continues to alternate between 7/8 and 6/8 (or 3/4) times, finally ending on a 4/4 swing time signature. Known recorded live versions expanded rhythmic diversification to 11/8 and rubato parts (e.g. live in Texas, 1973).
The tune was performed by the Grand Wazoo band and the Petit Wazoo band in late 1972, as well as sporadically throughout 1973 and 1984, usually as a teaser in a guitar solo.
It was finally revived as a long piece for extended jams in 1988 with the so-called Broadway The Hard Way band.