Birds Of A Feather - The Page One Recordings (Reissue) (1970/2017)

Presenting the nom de plumage of Birds Of A Feather, namely sisters Doreen and Irene Chanter, with their sole album, recorded in April and released in October 1970, the result of an audition with publisher Dick James Music.

This subsequently led to an association with a production team, led by Gus Dudgeon, which included arrangers, musicians and writers then concurrently involved in the developing world of Elton John. Assistant to Dudgeon, Stuart Epps sat in the producer’s chair, Caleb Quaye the arranger, and Elton John himself as session pianist, backing vocalist and writer providing four of his songs for the LP:

‘Border Song’ and ‘Bad Side Of The Moon’ (recorded a fortnight after Elton’s single versions released in March 1970)

‘Take Me To The Pilot’ (from the eponymous Elton John LP released April 1970)

‘Country Comfort’ (Elton’s version released on the Tumbleweed Connection LP in October 1970)

The album is also noteworthy for the inclusion of five original songs penned by Doreen Chanter.

The sisters Chanter gained a reputation for their soulful and gospel-like performances which, aside from a string of their own singles, made them much in demand for backing vocals, performing with Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music, Pink Floyd, John Miles, Meatloaf and Joe Cocker amongst others.

Making its CD debut, this RPM re-issue includes a fully illustrated booklet featuring fresh interviews with Stuart Epps and Doreen Chanter, presenting insights into the scene at the time.