Rare Bird

Rare Bird: The Early Prog Rock Trailblazers

Rare Bird is a British progressive rock band that emerged in the late 1960s, renowned for their distinctive sound characterized by keyboard-driven melodies and emotionally charged lyrics. Rare Bird holds a special place in rock history for being one of the first bands signed to Charisma Records, a label that became synonymous with progressive rock.

1. Formation and Early Years

Rare Bird was formed in 1969 in London, England, by keyboardists Graham Field and Dave Kaffinetti. Uniquely, the band’s lineup lacked a lead guitarist, setting them apart from many of their contemporaries. The founding lineup included:

• Graham Field – Organ, songwriter
• Dave Kaffinetti – Electric piano
• Steve Gould – Bass, lead vocals
• Mark Ashton – Drums, backing vocals

Their guitar-free approach, relying heavily on the interplay between organ and electric piano, gave them a unique, orchestral sound in the burgeoning progressive rock scene.

2. Breakthrough Album: Rare Bird (1969)

Rare Bird’s self-titled debut album, released in 1969, brought them immediate recognition, particularly for the hit single “Sympathy”.

Key Features of the Album:

• Heavy use of Hammond organ and electric piano.
• Introspective and socially conscious lyrics.
• A mix of progressive rock, proto-prog, and psychedelic influences.

Key Tracks:

1. Sympathy – A melancholic and hauntingly beautiful track that became an international hit, reaching the Top 10 in several European countries.
2. Beautiful Scarlet – A dynamic track showcasing the band’s prog-rock credentials.
3. Iceberg – A slower, more atmospheric song with lush keyboard work.

The success of “Sympathy” gave Rare Bird their first taste of fame, although the rest of the album leaned more towards progressive experimentation.

3. As Your Mind Flies By (1970): A Progressive Masterpiece

Their second album, As Your Mind Flies By, is considered a prog-rock classic, featuring longer, more intricate compositions.

Key Tracks:

1. What You Want to Know – A driving, organ-heavy track with dynamic vocals.
2. Down on the Floor – A shorter, more straightforward rock song.
3. Flight – A sprawling, multi-part suite that showcases the band’s compositional ambition and experimental edge.

With As Your Mind Flies By, Rare Bird fully embraced the progressive rock ethos, but commercial success eluded them beyond “Sympathy.”

4. Lineup Changes and Mid-1970s Albums

Following the release of their second album, Graham Field departed, and the band underwent several lineup changes. Rare Bird’s sound also evolved during this period, leaning toward a more accessible art rock and soft rock style.

Albums of the 1970s:

1. Epic Forest (1972)
   • Marked a shift towards guitar-oriented compositions with the addition of new members.
   • Included standout tracks like Turning the Lights Out and Epic Forest.
2. Somebody’s Watching (1973)
   • Featured a mix of progressive and commercial rock elements.
   • Included a cover of “Hard Time” by R&B artist Allen Toussaint.
3. Born Again (1974)
   • The band’s final studio album, showing a further departure from their progressive roots.

While these later albums received critical praise, they failed to replicate the success of their earlier work.

5. Musical Style and Influences

Rare Bird’s music is characterized by:

• Keyboard-Driven Sound: The interplay between organ and electric piano forms the backbone of their music.
• Lyrical Themes: Often introspective, exploring topics such as love, loss, and social issues.
• Experimental Elements: Particularly prominent in their early work, with complex time signatures and multi-part compositions.

They drew inspiration from bands like The Nice, Procol Harum, and King Crimson, while influencing later keyboard-heavy prog acts.

6. Discography

Studio Albums

1. Rare Bird (1969)
2. As Your Mind Flies By (1970)
3. Epic Forest (1972)
4. Somebody’s Watching (1973)
5. Born Again (1974)

Compilation Albums

• Sympathy (1976): A collection of their most popular songs, including their biggest hit.

7. Interesting Facts About Rare Bird

1. “Sympathy” as a Protest Song:
   • “Sympathy” is often regarded as an anthem of compassion and social justice, with its poignant lyrics expressing frustration at global inequality.
2. Guitar-Free Innovation:
   • Rare Bird’s early lineup eschewed the use of guitars, relying entirely on keyboards for melody and texture.
3. Charisma Records Legacy:
   • Rare Bird was one of the first bands signed to Charisma Records, which later signed iconic acts like Genesis, Van der Graaf Generator, and Peter Hammill.
4. “Sympathy” Cover Versions:
   • The song “Sympathy” has been covered by numerous artists, including Marillion and the German band Scorpions.
5. Cult Status:
   • While Rare Bird never achieved mainstream success, their innovative approach to progressive rock has earned them a devoted following among prog enthusiasts.

8. Legacy

Rare Bird is remembered as one of the early pioneers of keyboard-driven progressive rock. Their blend of experimental sounds and accessible melodies influenced a generation of musicians and contributed to the evolution of the progressive rock genre. Despite their relatively short-lived career, their music continues to resonate with fans and stands as a testament to their originality and innovation.