Rare Bird
Rare Bird was an English progressive rock band formed in London in October 1969 by organist Graham Field, keyboardist Dave Kaffinetti, drummer Mark Ashton, and vocalist/bassist Steve Gould.[1] Distinguished by their dual-keyboard setup and deliberate avoidance of guitars in favor of a dense, atmospheric sound, the band quickly gained attention with their debut single "Sympathy", released in February 1970, which peaked at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart and topped the charts in France and Italy, selling over one million copies worldwide.[2][3][4] Signed to the influential Charisma Records label alongside contemporaries like Van der Graaf Generator, Rare Bird released their self-titled debut album in 1970, featuring the hit single and showcasing their blend of jazz-influenced keyboards, soulful vocals, and progressive structures.[3] Over the next four years, they produced four additional studio albums—As Your Mind Flies By (1970), Epic Forest (1972), Somebody's Watching (1973), and Born Again (1974)—exploring evolving themes of psychedelia, ecology, and social commentary through intricate compositions.[5] While they enjoyed sustained popularity and touring success across continental Europe, the band struggled to build on their initial UK breakthrough and disbanded in early 1975 amid lineup changes and waning commercial momentum at home.[4][6]History
Formation and debut (1968–1969)
Rare Bird formed in late 1968 in London when keyboardists Graham Field and Dave Kaffinetti, who had previously collaborated in the short-lived band Lunch, decided to create a new group centered on dual keyboards without guitars.[3] Inspired by the organ-driven sound of The Nice, particularly Keith Emerson's style, Field and Kaffinetti sought to pioneer a progressive rock ensemble emphasizing Hammond organs and electric pianos for a distinctive, guitar-free texture.[3] They recruited drummer Mark Ashton, formerly of the band Turnstyle, through Kaffinetti's connections, and bassist/vocalist Steve Gould, who had played in the pop-psychedelic group Fruit Machine.[7][8] Initially, Gould contributed on guitar, but the lineup soon solidified with him switching to bass to maintain the keyboard-focused vision.[3] By early 1969, the quartet—now named Rare Bird, a suggestion from Ashton and their early associate—secured management with Terry King and signed to Charisma Records, the progressive label founded by Tony Stratton-Smith that also featured acts like Van der Graaf Generator.[1] They recorded their self-titled debut album at Trident Studios in London, produced by John Anthony, completing the sessions efficiently over a short period in mid-1969.[3] The album, released in November 1969, peaked at No. 115 on the US Billboard 200 and showcased their innovative sound through tracks blending classical influences, jazz elements, and rock energy, all propelled by the interplay between Field's organ and Kaffinetti's piano.[9] The band's breakthrough came with the single "Sympathy," recorded during the same sessions and released in February 1970, though it built on their 1969 momentum.[10] Co-written by all four members— with Gould contributing key lyrical elements on themes of empathy and societal neglect, arranged collectively around the keyboards—the track featured a haunting organ riff and Gould's soaring vocals.[11] It peaked at No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart and achieved greater success abroad, topping charts in Italy and France while selling over one million copies globally.[7][3] This propelled initial European tours in 1970, where Rare Bird performed at festivals and on television, earning acclaim as a fresh, organ-centric act that stood out amid the era's guitar-dominated rock scene.[8] Early live shows highlighted their technical prowess and novel setup, drawing comparisons to contemporaries but distinguished by the absence of traditional lead instruments.[6]Commercial peak and lineup shifts (1970–1974)
Rare Bird achieved their initial commercial breakthrough with the single "Sympathy" from their debut album, which reached No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart in 1970 and sold over a million copies worldwide, topping charts in France and Italy.[4] However, the band's second album, As Your Mind Flies By, released in September 1970 on Charisma Records, marked a shift toward more experimental progressive rock but failed to capitalize on that momentum, leading to their departure from the label.[3] Recorded at Central Sound Studios and IBC Studios in London, the album featured extended compositions such as the 20-minute suite "Flight" divided into four parts, alongside tracks like "Beautiful Scarlet" that highlighted Steve Gould's soaring vocals and the dual-keyboard interplay.[12] It received modest US exposure, supported by a limited American tour including a support slot for the Grateful Dead at Chicago's Aragon Ballroom on July 3, 1970.[3] The album's underwhelming sales prompted significant lineup instability. In early 1971, founding keyboardist Graham Field and drummer Mark Ashton departed, citing creative differences and the band's direction; Field went on to form the short-lived group Fields with Ashton briefly involved.[3] Drummer Fred Kelly joined immediately, followed by bassist Paul Karas and guitarist Andy "Ced" Curtis, with Gould transitioning from bass to rhythm guitar to accommodate the new configuration. This revamped lineup signed with Polydor Records and incorporated more guitar-driven elements, moving away from the keyboard-centric sound of their early work. The changes were brief, as Karas was replaced by bassist Nic Potter—formerly of Van der Graaf Generator—for subsequent recordings.[3][4] Under the new roster, Rare Bird released Epic Forest in November 1972, a double album that blended progressive structures with emerging mainstream rock influences, including heavy riffs on tracks like "Roadside Welcome" and atmospheric pieces such as "House in the City."[13] The record peaked at No. 194 on the Billboard 200 but saw no UK chart entry, reflecting ongoing commercial challenges. This was followed by Somebody's Watching in August 1973, which included a guest appearance by King Crimson bassist John Wetton on the track "Dollars" and further emphasized guitar textures, yet it too underperformed sales-wise.[3] The band's final studio album, Born Again, arrived in May 1974, co-produced by Curtis and Polydor executive Peter Rice, and featured another personnel shift with former roadie Andy Rae replacing Potter on bass.[4] Tracks like "Hold On" and "Sunlight of My Mind" showcased a polished, radio-friendly progressive style amid internal tensions. Despite sporadic European tours and festival appearances—including a slot at the inaugural Reading Festival on June 12, 1971, alongside acts like Family and the Groundhogs—the group struggled to build on "Sympathy"'s success, hampered by limited promotion and failure to expand internationally.[3] By 1974, mounting financial pressures and lineup flux signaled the end of their active recording phase.Disbandment and post-breakup activities (1975–present)
Rare Bird officially disbanded in 1975 following the commercial disappointment of their fifth studio album, Born Again, which failed to chart or attract significant sales. The breakup was precipitated by a combination of persistent financial difficulties, including lack of label support after being dropped by Polydor due to declining record sales, internal frustrations over poor gig quality and low earnings, and the broader shift in the music industry away from progressive rock toward punk and simpler rock formats in the mid-1970s.[3] As vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Steve Gould later reflected, the band had "fizzled out," with the title Born Again representing unfulfilled optimism rather than renewal.[3] After the split, Steve Gould, Rare Bird's lead singer and bassist, formed the short-lived rock band Runner in 1977, releasing a self-titled debut album on Island Records that achieved minor chart success in the UK. He subsequently joined Alvin Lee's backing band, contributing bass and vocals on multiple albums and tours over two decades, including Lee's 1994 release Nineteen Ninety-Four. Gould has remained active in music into the 2020s, occasionally discussing Rare Bird's legacy in interviews.[14][3] Keyboardist Graham Field had departed Rare Bird earlier, in 1971, to pursue a solo project under the moniker Fields, releasing the album Elements of Magic in 1972, which featured contributions from ex-King Crimson drummer Andy McCulloch. Field's post-Rare Bird career involved composing for television and earning royalties from his earlier work, though he largely stepped away from performing. He passed away on April 13, 2018, at age 77, after a battle with cancer.[15][16] Dave Kaffinetti, the band's other key keyboardist and a founding member, transitioned to session work and acting after 1975, notably contributing keyboards to Chuck Berry's 1973 album The London Chuck Berry Sessions. He gained wider recognition for portraying the dim-witted keyboardist Viv Savage in the 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, a role that became iconic in rock parody. Kaffinetti's later musical projects were sporadic, focusing on occasional recordings and film scores, until his death on July 11, 2025, at age 79.[17][18] Drummer Mark Ashton left Rare Bird after their second album in 1971 but briefly reunited for live performances before the full disbandment. He then formed the band Headstone, releasing two albums, Bad Habits (1974) and an eponymous follow-up (1975), after which he largely retired from music for 16 years to focus on painting. Residing in France since the 1990s, Ashton has exhibited his artwork internationally and returned to music sporadically in the 2010s with projects like the Mark Ashton Project, while reflecting on Rare Bird's innovative keyboard sound in retrospective interviews.[19][20] The band has not reunited in its original or any full lineup since 1975, though individual members have occasionally performed Rare Bird material in solo contexts. Tributes have been limited to archival reissues, such as Esoteric Recordings' comprehensive six-CD box set The Charisma Years 1969-1974 released in 2021, which collected their Polydor-era output and restored material. As of late 2025, following Kaffinetti's recent passing alongside Field's in 2018, no new group activities are planned, with surviving members like Gould and Ashton contributing to legacy discussions rather than performances.[21]Musical style and influences
Keyboard-centric sound and progressive elements
Rare Bird's original lineup eschewed a lead guitar, instead centering their sound on dual keyboards to provide both melodic leads and textural depth, with Graham Field on Hammond organ and David Kaffinetti on electric piano.[6][4] This keyboard-dominated approach created a distinctive, guitar-less progressive rock aesthetic, emphasizing swirling organ tones and piano accents to drive the music forward.[22][23] The band's incorporation of jazz influences, complex arrangements, and symphonic elements aligned with early progressive rock conventions, fostering intricate compositions that blended improvisation with structured builds.[22] Tracks like "Sympathy" exemplified this through brooding, atmospheric progressions, where Hammond organ layers evoked a sense of melancholic urgency and social reflection.[22][23] Their use of the Mellotron and early synthesizers further simulated orchestral textures, drawing inspiration from keyboard pioneers in bands such as The Nice and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.[22][3][23] Vocalist Steve Gould's soulful, blues-tinged delivery layered soulfully over these keyboard foundations, contributing to a haunting, introspective quality that amplified the band's ethereal and emotional depth.[22][23] In live settings, this interplay often produced a resonant, cathedral-like ambiance, with keyboards enveloping the audience in immersive waves.[22] On their debut album, production techniques emphasized layered keyboards for sonic richness, while keeping percussion minimal to spotlight extended organ solos and highlight the instrumental core.[3][23] Recorded at Trident Studios under producer John Anthony, the album's tight budget nonetheless captured the band's innovative reliance on keyboards as the primary expressive force.[3]Evolution and comparisons to contemporaries
Following their debut album in 1969, Rare Bird's sound began to evolve from a strictly keyboard-dominated progressive rock framework, characterized by dual organs and no guitars, toward a more hybridized approach incorporating electric guitars and conventional rock structures by the early 1970s. This shift was evident in their third album, Epic Forest (1972), where the band adopted shorter song formats and rock rhythms, departing from the extended organ-driven compositions of their initial releases to create a more accessible, "up-to-date" style amid a label change to Polydor, which some critics attributed to commercial imperatives.[13][24] The 1974 album Born Again further accentuated this evolution, blending southern boogie and soft rock elements into an Americanized aesthetic that diluted the band's original progressive intensity with pop-oriented hooks and high-standard musicianship geared toward broader appeal. Later works, such as Somebody's Watching (1973), marked a clear departure from their heavy organ-drenched prog roots, embracing solid but less experimental tunes that prioritized rock accessibility over innovation. Critics have praised the band's early keyboard-centric innovation for its boldness but viewed these later developments as a dilution through pop leanings, which contributed to their limited longevity in the genre.[25][26] In comparisons to contemporaries, Rare Bird shared an organ-focused intensity with Atomic Rooster, emphasizing raw, keyboard-led energy without relying on symphonic grandeur like Yes. Their brass and keyboard blends echoed Colosseum's jazz-inflected explorations, though Rare Bird remained more straightforward, while their accessible structures contrasted with the denser, avant-garde complexity of Van der Graaf Generator. Later albums incorporated subtle jazz-rock fusion influences, broadening the palette with occasional horn and saxophone elements to evoke a fusion-tinged accessibility akin to contemporary acts experimenting beyond pure prog.[27] As pioneers of "keyboard prog," Rare Bird's guitar-less debut influenced the subgenre's emphasis on multi-keyboard arrangements, paving the way for later 1970s keyboard-heavy prog acts. This legacy underscores their role in establishing keyboard-driven prog as a viable, influential strand within the broader progressive rock movement of the era.[28]Band members
Core original lineup
The core original lineup of Rare Bird consisted of four members who formed the band in late 1969, emphasizing a keyboard-dominated sound without guitars that shaped their debut album. Organist and co-founder Graham Field (born 1940 in Beaminster, England – died 2018), came from a musical family where his mother, grandmother, uncle, and aunt were all church organists, providing him with early training on the instrument.[16] Field had previously co-formed the short-lived psych-rock group Lunch in 1968 with pianist Dave Kaffinetti, where they began experimenting with dual-keyboard arrangements.[27] As Rare Bird's primary organist, Field contributed to the atmospheric, Hammond-driven textures on tracks like "Iceberg" and "Beautiful Scarlet" from their self-titled debut album, using swelling organ swells to create a moody, expansive prog rock foundation.[9] Complementing Field on keyboards was co-founder Dave Kaffinetti (born David Kaffinetti in 1946 in Folkestone, England – died 2025), who played electric piano and provided rhythmic and harmonic support essential to the band's layered sound.[29] Kaffinetti, who also met Field during the Lunch sessions, focused on piano-driven grooves that underpinned the debut album's tracks, such as the driving rhythms in "Sympathy," co-written by all four members.[30] His contributions helped balance Field's more orchestral organ work, fostering a dense, piano-organ interplay that defined Rare Bird's early identity without relying on guitar riffs.[1] Bassist and lead vocalist Steve Gould, born in 1950 in Battersea, London, brought prior experience from the pop-psychedelic band Fruit Machine, where he had performed as a singer and guitarist before switching to bass for Rare Bird.[27] Gould's powerful, soul-inflected vocals offered a contrasting warmth to the keyboards' cerebral intensity, as heard in his emotive delivery on "Sympathy" and "October Love," providing lyrical depth to the band's progressive structures.[9] His bass lines anchored the rhythm section, enabling the dual keyboards to explore complex harmonies while maintaining accessibility in the debut recordings. Drummer Mark Ashton, formerly of the band Turnstyle, completed the lineup with subtle percussion that emphasized dynamics over flash, drawing from influences like The Nice to support the keyboard focus.[19] Ashton introduced the group to manager Tony Stratton-Smith, who had overseen The Nice, facilitating their signing to Charisma Records.[19] On the debut album, his jazz-tinged rhythms—featuring brushed snares and precise fills—complemented the atmospheric pieces, as in the building tension of "Down Lord" and the steady pulse of "Sympathy," ensuring the no-guitar arrangement felt cohesive and propulsive rather than sparse.[9] This quartet's innovative no-guitar approach, centered on Field and Kaffinetti's interlocking keyboards, Gould's vocal and bass grounding, and Ashton's nuanced drumming, established Rare Bird's distinctive early sound on their 1969 debut, prioritizing mood and texture over conventional rock instrumentation.[31] Tracks like "Beautiful Scarlet" exemplified their interplay, with Field's organ evoking vast landscapes, Kaffinetti adding harmonic color, Gould delivering soulful leads, and Ashton providing rhythmic subtlety to tie it together.[3]Subsequent members and changes
Following the departure of original members Graham Field and Mark Ashton in late 1970, Rare Bird underwent significant lineup changes that shifted the band's instrumentation and sound. Ashton was replaced by drummer Fred Kelly, formerly of Thundermother, while bassist Paul Karas joined to provide rhythmic support for the third album, Epic Forest (1972). Additionally, guitarist Ced Curtis (also known as Andy Curtis) was brought in, with Steve Gould transitioning from bass to rhythm guitar and lead vocals, alongside the remaining Dave Kaffinetti on keyboards. These adjustments marked a departure from the original keyboard-dominated quartet, introducing guitar elements for the first time.[27][3] By 1972, for the album Epic Forest, the core lineup stabilized temporarily around Gould, Kaffinetti, Kelly, Karas (primarily on bass), and Curtis, though Karas departed later that year. Guest percussionist Nic Potter, known from Van der Graaf Generator, contributed to one track, providing additional rhythmic support. This period reflected ongoing flux, as the band sought to adapt amid creative differences and the demands of limited touring opportunities, which strained resources and cohesion. The inclusion of guitar-driven arrangements began to dilute the group's signature progressive, organ-centric style, moving toward a more conventional rock orientation that alienated some early fans but allowed for continued recording.[27][4][3][32] Further alterations occurred in 1973 for Somebody's Watching, where Potter returned as a guest bassist on most tracks, replacing Karas fully, while John Wetton appeared on one song; the rhythm section of Kelly and Curtis remained with Gould and Kaffinetti. In 1974, for the final album Born Again, former roadie Andy Rae joined on bass, solidifying a quintet configuration that emphasized rockier, folk-influenced elements. These changes stemmed largely from financial pressures and insufficient gigs, including a poorly planned U.S. tour, which exacerbated internal tensions and prevented long-term stability. Although the evolving lineup enabled the release of three more albums, the lack of a fixed personnel post-1970 contributed to the band's inability to recapture early momentum, culminating in their disbandment in 1975.[27][3][4]Discography
Studio albums
Rare Bird's debut studio album, Rare Bird, was released in November 1969 on Charisma Records.[31] Produced by John Anthony at Trident Studios in London, the album featured the band's original lineup emphasizing keyboard-driven progressive rock with soulful vocals.[33] Key tracks included the hit single "Sympathy," which reached number 27 on the UK Singles Chart and sold over one million copies worldwide, alongside "Heading for More" and the instrumental opener "Iceberg."[2][9] The album's track listing is as follows:| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iceberg | 6:46 |
| 2 | Times | 4:00 |
| 3 | You Went Away | 4:17 |
| 4 | Melanie | 3:27 |
| 5 | Beautiful Scarlet | 5:23 |
| 6 | Sympathy | 2:30 |
| 7 | Nature's Fruit | 2:32 |
| 8 | Bird on a Wing | 4:13 |
| 9 | God of War | 5:08 |
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What You Want to Know | 5:59 |
| 2 | Down on the Floor | 2:41 |
| 3 | Hammerhead | 3:31 |
| 4 | I'm Thinking | 4:14 |
| 5 | Flight | 8:10 |
| 6 | As Your Mind Flies By | 3:50 |
| 7 | Don't Worry | 4:24 |
| 8 | The Best of It | 2:50 |
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baby Listen | 3:26 |
| 2 | Hey Man | 5:54 |
| 3 | House in the City | 4:26 |
| 4 | Epic Forest | 9:13 |
| 5 | Turning the Lights Out | 4:40 |
| 6 | Her Darkest Hour | 3:34 |
| 7 | Fears of the Night | 3:19 |
| 8 | Turn It All Around | 4:45 |
| 9 | Title No. 1 Again (Birdman) | 6:27 |
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somebody's Watching | 5:27 |
| 2 | Third Time Around | 4:56 |
| 3 | Turn Your Head | 4:40 |
| 4 | More and More | 3:31 |
| 5 | Hard Time | 4:54 |
| 6 | Who Is the Hero | 3:36 |
| 7 | No. 3 | 3:42 |
| 8 | Love Is Not Enough | 4:45 |
| 9 | The Last Tango in Beulah | 7:20 |
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Body and Soul | 4:30 |
| 2 | Live for Each Other | 3:20 |
| 3 | Diamonds | 3:45 |
| 4 | Reaching You | 4:10 |
| 5 | All That I Need | 3:55 |
| 6 | As Time Passes By | 4:25 |
| 7 | Can You Hear Me | 4:40 |
| 8 | Don't You Know | 3:30 |
| 9 | Can't Stop the Music | 4:15 |
| 10 | Baby Hold On (to Love) | 3:50 |