Album Information:

About Rare Bird:

Rare Bird was an English progressive rock band that was active in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The group was formed in 1969 by keyboardist Graham Field, bassist Dave Kaffinetti, and drummer Mark Ashton. They were joined by singer Steve Gould and guitarist Andy 'Mac' McDowell.

Rare Bird was initially signed to the Charisma record label, which was also home to other successful progressive rock acts like Genesis and Van der Graaf Generator. Early on in their career, the band scored a hit with their song 'Sympathy,' which reached the UK Top 30 in 1970. The track was noted for its distinctive keyboard melody and Gould's powerful vocals.

Over the course of their career, Rare Bird released five studio albums, all of which showcased the band's unique blend of keyboard-driven prog rock and pop hooks. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1969 and was followed by the critically acclaimed Epic Forest in 1972. The album featured the standout tracks 'Flight' and 'Irish Lullaby,' which incorporated elements of traditional Irish music into the band's sound.

Despite their critical success, Rare Bird struggled to maintain a stable lineup and endured several personnel changes over the years. Gould departed the band in 1973, and the group continued with new lead vocalist Paul Kirby for one more album, 1974's Born Again. However, the band eventually disbanded in 1975 due to dwindling record sales and internal conflicts.

Although their time as a band was relatively short-lived, Rare Bird's influence on the progressive rock genre cannot be understated. Their use of keyboards as a lead instrument paved the way for many other acts in the genre, and their unique blend of rock and pop sensibilities helped to broaden the appeal of progressive music. Today, Rare Bird is often remembered as one of the most innovative and underrated bands of their era.

About the album Rare Bird:

Rare Bird's self-titled album, released in 1969, is a unique and eclectic mix of progressive rock and jazz influences. The band consists of Steve Gould on vocals and keyboards, Graham Field on keyboards, Dave Kaffinetti on bass and Mark Ashton on drums.

The first track, 'Sympathy', sets the tone for the album with its haunting keyboard intro and powerful vocals, drawing the listener in with the catchy melody and interesting chord progression. The next track, 'Iceberg', builds on this momentum with its upbeat tempo and intricate piano lines, showcasing the band's technical prowess.

The album's centerpiece is undoubtedly the epic 'Flight', an almost 20-minute long journey through different musical textures and moods. It starts off with a gentle piano intro before exploding into an energetic rock beat, with Gould's vocals soaring over the top. The song then transforms into a jazz-infused jam session, with each member taking turns to showcase their individual skills on their respective instruments.

The softer side of Rare Bird is also explored on tracks like 'God of War' and 'Nature's Fruit', which feature more delicate piano melodies and emotive vocals. The album finishes with the upbeat and catchy 'Down on the Floor', leaving the listener feeling satisfied yet hungry for more.

Overall, Rare Bird's debut album is a highly diverse and ambitious effort, showcasing the band's talent for blending different genres and exploring new sounds. It's a must-listen for fans of progressive rock and jazz, and a testament to the creativity and experimentation of the late 60s music scene.

Members:

Rare Bird was a British progressive rock band formed in 1969. The key members of the band were:

1. Steve Gould - Lead Vocals, Guitar

Steve Gould was born on March 16, 1948, in London, England. He began his career as a vocalist and guitarist in 1969 when he formed Rare Bird. He was the main songwriter of the band and wrote some of their most successful songs. Gould remained with the band until their disbandment in 1975. After Rare Bird, he continued to work in the music industry, performing in various bands and as a solo artist.

2. David Kaffinetti - Keyboards

David Kaffinetti was born on August 21, 1948, in Kent, England. He joined Rare Bird as a keyboardist in 1969 and played a crucial role in the band's sound. Besides his work with Rare Bird, Kaffinetti also played with numerous other acts, including The Alan Parsons Project and Julian Lennon.

3. Graham Field - Keyboards

Graham Field was born on May 25, 1941, in Chiswick, London. He was a classically trained pianist, and he joined Rare Bird in 1969 as their keyboardist. Field's virtuosic keyboard playing was a defining characteristic of Rare Bird's sound. After Rare Bird disbanded, he continued to work in the music industry, collaborating with many notable artists.

4. Mark Ashton - Drums

Mark Ashton was born on August 19, 1948, in Liverpool, England. He joined Rare Bird as their drummer in 1969 and became an integral component of the band's rhythm section. Ashton was well-known for his energetic and powerful drumming style. After Rare Bird, he worked as a session musician, performing with various bands and artists.

Overall, the key members of Rare Bird were highly skilled musicians who played an essential role in shaping the sound of the band. Together, they created some of the most innovative and enduring music of the progressive rock era.

Track List for Rare Bird:

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Discography for Rare Bird:

Here is the complete discography for Rare Bird in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Rare Bird (1969) - May 1969
2. As Your Mind Flies By (1970) - January 1970
3. Epic Forest (1972) - May 1972
4. Somebody's Watching (1973) - November 1973
5. Born Again (1974) - September 1974

Singles:
1. 'Sympathy' / 'Devil's High Concern' (1969) - August 1969
2. 'Iceberg' / 'God of War' (1970) - February 1970
3. 'Flight' / 'Devil's Answer' (1970) - May 1970
4. 'Credible Woman' / 'Hammerhead' (1971) - September 1971
5. 'Redman' / 'Beautiful Scarlet' (1971) - December 1971
6. 'Somebody's Watching' / 'Third Time Around' (1973) - November 1973
7. 'Hey Man' / 'High in the Morning' (1974) - June 1974

Other Releases:
1. 'Devil's Answer' / 'Acrophobia' (reverse side by Andromeda) - split single (1970) - January 1970
2. 'Hammerhead' / 'Down on the Floor' (1971) - February 1971

Note: This discography includes all of Rare Bird's major releases but may not include all regional variations or reissues.