Rare Bird: Beautiful Scarlet – The Recordings 1969-1975 is the title of the 6-CD boxed set from pioneering progressive rock band Rare Bird. Release date is April 30, 2021.
The remastered collection contains all of the albums and singles released by Rare Bird on both the Charisma and Polydor labels between 1969 and 1975. The set also features an additional previously unreleased CD of the band’s entire live set recorded by Polydor Records at the Theatre Royal, London in June 1974.
Formed in 1969, Rare Bird included Graham Field on organ, Dave Kaffinetti on keyboards, Steve Gould on vocals, bass and Mark Ashton on drums.
The lack of commercial success led to the departure of Graham Field and Mark Ashton, leaving Gould and Kaffinetti to form a new line-up in 1971 adding Andy “Ced” Curtis on lead guitar, Fred Kelly on drums) and Paul Karas on bass, vocals to the band, with Steve Gould undertaking the role of second guitarist in addition to that of vocalist.
Rare Bird was signed by Polydor Records in late 1971. The group recorded the classic album Epic Forest the following year. The album was lavishly packaged with early copies featuring a poster and a bonus 7-inch EP with three additional tracks.
In 1973, Rare Bird changed line-up once more with the departure of Paul Karas. He was replaced By Nic Potter (former Van Der Graaf Generator) and the band recorded the album Somebody’s Watching the same year. The album featured guest John Wetton on bass for the track “Dollars”.
In 1974, Andy Rae replaced Nic Potter on bass and Rare Bird recorded their final album, Born Again. The release of the album led to touring activity, including a memorable spot opening for label mates Barclay James Harvest at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in June 1974. However, the following year Rare Bird disbanded.
Also featured is an illustrated booklet featuring exclusive interviews with Steve Gould and Mark Ashton and a facsimile of the rare poster given with initial copies of Epic Forest.