Rare Bird (1969)
Continuing on with my project of listening to albums I haven't heard in forever comes Rare Bird's debut. I lucked into finding a beautiful UK original (what a cover!) while traveling on business in Tampa - St. Pete way back in 1996. I cannot find evidence that I've heard it since I arrived home way back then. And in this case, I think that may have really been the only listen.
Rare Bird were one of the earliest bands to jump onto the burgeoning progressive rock scene. In fact they were the first band to receive a release on the iconic Charisma label. A four piece that features the unusual lineup of two dedicated keyboardists. One on Hammond organ solely (Graham Field) and the other on electric piano (David Kaffinetti). The music has plenty of psychedelic references, similar to the Pussy Plays album in that way. But whereas that album leans in on the Floydish Piper motifs, Rare Bird has more of The Nice buried within. I find the songwriting charming and engaging, something I doubt registered as much nearly 30 years ago.
On that same fateful day I also found the UK original of As Your Mind Flies By, but it was much less to my taste back then and I sold it. We'll see if I find it again, and if my opinion has changed.
Ownership: 1969 Charisma (LP)
10/16/96 (acquired); 7/27/25 (review)
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