Rare Bird were an English progressive rock band, formed in 1969. They released five studio albums between 1969 and 1974. In the UK, the single "Sympathy" reached number 27 in February 1970, selling an estimated one million globally. The band was notable for its organ-driven sound, utilising two keyboardists and no guitar in its original line-up.

History

1968–1969: Formation, Rare Bird, and "Sympathy"

In August 1968, organist Graham Field formed a group called Lunch and banded together with keyboardist David Kaffinetti. The group was short-lived and the two members began looking for a rhythm section for a new project.

By late 1969, they had found singer and bassist Steve Gould and drummer Mark Ashton. Shortly after, Rare Bird became one of the first bands signed to Charisma Records, along with Van der Graaf Generator and the Nice.

Within a matter of weeks, the band had begun recording their eponymous debut album, Rare Bird, released in November 1969. It became their only UK hit single, reaching No.27 and staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

1970–1974: Later releases and line-up changes

In 1970, Rare Bird released their second studio album, As Your Mind Flies By, which was the last to feature their original line-up. Despite favourable reception, the album failed to chart in both the UK and the US. Due to the lack of commercial success, the band was dropped from Charisma. as well as the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1971. Rare Bird also performed at Jazz Bilzen in August 1970.

In early 1971, Field left Rare Bird to form a short-lived solo project called the Fields, releasing one album with CBS in 1971. Shortly after, Mark Ashton left to form Headstone, releasing two albums with Trident Productions in 1974 and 1975.

1975 onwards: Break-up and legacy

Following the continuous commercial failures that had been their last three albums, Rare Bird disbanded in 1975. They had run out of money and had "fizzled out" according to Gould.

Members

Original line-up

  • Graham Field – organ, keyboards <small>(1969–1971)</small>
  • David Kaffinetti – keyboards <small>(1969–1975)</small>
  • Steve Gould – bass, vocals <small>(1969–1975)</small>
  • Mark Ashton – drums, percussion, backing vocals <small>(1969–1971)</small>

1972 onwards

Source:

  • Rare Bird (UK: Charisma, U.S.: Command/Probe, 1969) U.S. # 115 (13 w)
  • As Your Mind Flies By (UK: Charisma, U.S.: ABC, 1970)
  • Epic Forest (Polydor, 1972) U.S. # 194 (2 w)
  • Somebody's Watching (Polydor, 1973)
  • Born Again (Polydor, June 1974)

Singles

  • "Sympathy" b/w "Devils High Concern" (UK No.&nbsp;27, 14 February 1970)/US No.&nbsp;121, 11 March 1970 / F # 3 / #82 CAN)
  • "Roadside Welcome"/"Four Grey Walls" b/w "You're Lost" Uncharted UK Polydor 2814 011 (1972)
  • "Birdman -Part One" (Title No.&nbsp;1 Again) US No.&nbsp;122, 1 September 1973)

Compilation albums

  • Attention! Rare Bird (Fontana cat. no. 9299 008; 1972)
  • Rare Bird (Polydor cat. # 2384 078, a budget re-release, compiling tracks from their three albums on Polydor; released in the Polydor Special series in 1977)
  • Sympathy (Blue Plate, 1976)
  • Third Time Around: An Introduction to Rare Bird (Universal, 2003)
  • Beautiful Scarlet: The Recordings 1969-1975 (Esoteric Recordings cat. no. ECLEC62756; 2021; box set of all their albums and singles, plus their complete concert at the Theatre Royal in 1974, previously unreleased)

References