Record Reviews

RARE BIRD ~ AS YOUR MIND FLIES BY ESOTERIC 2002 (Barcode: 5013929710221) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007 2nd album by excellent British Prog band Rare BirdFind albums by this artist, one of the most unusual and original outfits on the burgeoning scene of the late 1960s / early 1970s. Fronted by two keyboards players Graham FieldsFind albums by this artist (organ) and David KaffinettiFind albums by this artist (electric piano) the group also included bassist / vocalist Steve GouldFind albums by this artist and drummer Mark AshtonFind albums by this artist. Purposely avoiding the sound of guitar, they created a wonderful balance between the two keyboards, exchanging licks and complimenting each other virtuously. Their material was also excellent, often with quirky rhythmic background but not eschewing beautiful ballads. With the second album the band faced the incredible challenge to repeat and perhaps improve the amazing achievement of their debut and they passed the test with flying colors. Completely disregarding any commercial influences, they moved even deeper into Prog and included on the album a lengthy song cycle called "Flight", which occupied the entire B side of the original LP. The music is absolutely stunning and consists of some of the most intriguing stuff recorded at the time. This is a true gem and an essential piece of music, which lost absolutely nothing of its initial impact.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

RARE BIRD ~ BORN AGAIN ESOTERIC 2092 (Barcode: 5013929719224) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2008 5th and last album by the excellent British Prog band Rare BirdFind albums by this artist, which went through a significant personnel changes by the time this album was recorded. Founding members: keyboardist Dave KaffinettiFind albums by this artist and vocalist / guitarist Steve GouldFind albums by this artist, were joined by bassist Andy RaeFind albums by this artist and drummer Fred KellyFind albums by this artist. The band keeps up with the tradition set up by the earlier recordings, which is characterized by superb melodies and brilliant instrumental work, which unfortunately never brought them the recognition they so richly deserved. Being unavailable for many years, this CD reissue brings back this gem into circulation, saving it from being forgotten. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

RARE BIRD ~ EPIC FOREST EL 99 (Barcode: 5013929309920) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2007 3rd album by the excellent British Prog band Rare BirdFind albums by this artist, which went through a significant personnel changes by the time this album was recorded. Founding members: keyboardist Dave KaffinettiFind albums by this artist and vocalist / guitarist Steve GouldFind albums by this artist, were joined by guitarist Andy CurtisFind albums by this artist, bassist Paul KarasFind albums by this artist and drummer Fred KellyFind albums by this artist. The band keeps up with the tradition set up by the earlier recordings, which is characterized by superb melodies and brilliant instrumental work, which unfortunately never brought them the recognition they so richly deserved. The original LP could not contain all the music recorded by the band for this release and was accompanied by a 33 RPM single with 3 additional tracks, which are included here. Being unavailable for many years, this CD reissue brings back this gem into circulation, saving it from being forgotten. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RARE BIRD ~ RARE BIRD ESOTERIC 2001 (Barcode: 5013929710122) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2007 1st album by excellent British Prog band Rare BirdFind albums by this artist, one of the most unusual and original outfits on the burgeoning scene of the late 1960s / early 1970s. Fronted by two keyboards players Graham FieldsFind albums by this artist (organ) and David KaffinettiFind albums by this artist (electric piano) the group also included bassist / vocalist Steve GouldFind albums by this artist and drummer Mark AshtonFind albums by this artist. Purposely avoiding the sound of guitar, they created a wonderful balance between the two keyboards, exchanging licks and complimenting each other virtuously. Their material was also excellent, often with quirky rhythmic background but not eschewing beautiful ballads. The eponymous debut album is a beautiful showcase of daring innovation and excellent musical taste, rarely achieved by other groups and remains one of the most stunning debuts ever. It includes the song "Sympathy", one of the greatest and everlasting anthems of British Prog, which enjoyed enormous chart success all over the world in spite of its unusual sound. This is a true gem and an essential piece of music, which lost absolutely nothing of its initial impact.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

RARE BIRD ~ SOMEBODY`S WATCHING ESOTERIC 2091 (Barcode: 5013929719125) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008 4th album by the excellent British Prog band Rare BirdFind albums by this artist, which went through a significant personnel changes by the time this album was recorded. Founding members: keyboardist Dave KaffinettiFind albums by this artist and vocalist / guitarist Steve GouldFind albums by this artist, were joined by guitarist Andy CurtisFind albums by this artist, bassist Nic PotterFind albums by this artist (ex-Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist) and drummer Fred KellyFind albums by this artist. Bassist John WettonFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The band keeps up with the tradition set up by the earlier recordings, which is characterized by superb melodies and brilliant instrumental work, which unfortunately never brought them the recognition they so richly deserved. Being unavailable for many years, this CD reissue brings back this gem into circulation, saving it from being forgotten. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend