This is Ritchie Francis's only solo work "Song Bird", released in 1972. Ritchie, was a talented musician, from Neath, Wales, UK, he began his career in mid sixties as a bass player for The Mustangs, before they change their name to Eyes Of Blue and releasing two albums, in 1968 "Crossroads Of Time" and 1969 "In Fields Of Ardath". In 1971 they changed again their name, as Big Sleep and released the wonderful “Bluebell Wood”. Soon after this release the band split.
Ritchie Francis recorded “Song Bird” with the help of Will Malone. The orchestration by Wil Malone is effectively and the whole result is like a little prog-rock pop kaleidoscope. It’s a trip from melancholic and melodious songs to bright songs.
Tracks
1. Song Bird - 7:05
2. Dizzy Sycamore - 4:53
3. I'm Not Alone - 4:40
4. It Will Last - 4:17
5. My Music - 1:48
6. Don't You Ask Me Why - 5:03
7. There's A Time - 8:03
8. Yet To Come - 6:07
9. Friends - 4:01
10.You're Never Gonna Make It - 4:21
11.To Follow You - 3:26
12.Crossroads Of Time - 4:52
13.Largo - 3:14
14.Yesterday - 4:22
15.Little Bird - 2:32
All compositions by Ritchie Francis
Bonus Tracks 12-15 as "Eyes Of Blue"
Personnel
*Ritchie Francis - Piano, Vocals
*William Malone - Drums, Orchestra Conductor
*Barry Morgan - Drums
*John Rostill - Bass
*Jim Sullivan - Guitar
*Ray Taff Williams - Guitar
*Phil Curtis - Bass
*Mike Kellie - Drums